Between the 14th and 16th of May, Embrapa Clima Temperado participated in the Expoarroz Tech 2019 by contributing to lectures in technical debates. The event promoted integration between the links in the rice production chain, focusing on the discussion of issues relevant to the export and commercialization sector. The event took place at the Fenadoce Events Center, in Pelotas/RS. The forum's lectures aimed to discuss adding value, one took place on the first day of the event and discussed the Varietal identification in the classification of processed rice: Adding value, the other on the last day of the event addressed Brazil Certificate - adding value to rice exports.
The objective of this panel was to discuss the creation of classification regulations for premium or noble rice grains. These are called this because they have better quality, both in processing and consumption, in addition, they fit the Brazilian preference for long, thin rice that is easy to cook and remains soft and loose after cooking.
“Varietal identification means that the packaging will display the name of the rice variety, precisely to value those that are noble, so that when the consumer arrives at the supermarket shelf they do not see everything mixed together, as happens today, where all Varieties are mixed from harvest to processing, so it is not known which varieties are inside the package. We want to evolve in the rice chain with this objective, aiming to value all segments involved, being producer, industry and market”, explains researcher Ariano Magalhães.
During the panel, the researcher presented how genetic improvement occurs that results in varieties considered premium or noble. "To obtain grains with this quality it is necessary that the cultivars have these characteristics, as they do not achieve them through management", considered Magalhães. Afterwards, the fiscal auditor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Fátima Parizi presented the regulations that currently govern the classification of rice and highlighted that the rice chain is one of the most organized in terms of quality and classification.
The last panel with the participation of Embrapa was attended by researcher Maria Laura Turino Mattos, who spoke about the official certification for Brazilian products, which is the program Brazil Certified. Through this brand, Brazilian products from chains that adhere to this program receive, when practicing all good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, which are audited, and from then on, a certifier accredited by Inmetro will certify the products. . "After 2016, when the normative regulation of Integrated Rice Production (PIA), We are working to sensitize producers and industry to adopt this program, as Brazil is experiencing a special moment of open foreign markets, as is the case with the conquest by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Mapa) of the Mexican market for rice exports from Rio Grande do Sul", recalled Mattos.
According to the researcher, other countries also require phytosanitary and environmental certifications. "They also put up barriers. If Brazilian rice is integrated into the program Brazil Certified officially, supported by Mapa, and the accreditors certified by Inmetro, we will have more facilities and we will conquer other markets for Rio Grande do Sul rice", defended Mattos. Maria Laura Mattos said that the reality is that Brazilian rice is exported and that today the production chain is able to adhere to PIA. "The industry is also in a position to become certified, and conquer more countries in the European community, which require these official government certifications", pondered Mattos.
For researcher Maria Laura Mattos, one of the difficulties to be overcome is the recognition of the need for precautionary measures against future problems by producers and industry when adopting the program's practices. Brazil Certified. "They have prepared themselves and are already prepared to conquer new markets. The challenge is just to join. This adherence is voluntary. They are ready. Most of the requirements are already being implemented by production and industrialization. There will only be benefits, mainly , for consumers", highlighted Mattos.
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
Receive the latest agriculture news by email
