Table grape production stands out in the cerrado

Considering the quality that the table grapes produced in the Cerrado have been presenting, it seems that the cultivation of this fruit in the region is really here to stay. “We have received a lot of praise and this is a source of great satisfaction for us”, says Jefferson dos Reis, production manager at the Monte Branco farm, located in the municipality of Padre Bernardo (GO). The property is a reference in the region in the cultivation of table grapes and at the peak of the last harvest it produced around 17 tons of fruit per hectare. Currently, the vineyards occupy 20 hectares of the property, but it is expected to double in size in the coming years. 

The most planted variety on the farm is the BRS Vitória developed by Embrapa. The property is owned by nutritionist Adriana Fernandes. Four years ago, she decided to invest in fruit cultivation in the region. "We realized that most of the fruit came from abroad. Today we harvest grapes one day and the next day the product is already at the wholesaler. It arrives fresh to the consumer, which is very good." The challenge, according to her, is related to labor. "It is a delicate fruit, which requires care both during pruning and harvesting. The lack of qualified personnel to work is in fact a bottleneck", she assesses. 

On the 30th, the Monte Branco farm received a group made up of extensionists from Emater-DF and researchers from Embrapa for a technical visit carried out as part of the training course in tropical fruit growing that is being promoted by Embrapa Cerrados, Emater DF and the Federal Superintendence of Agriculture of DF (MAPA) and has a partnership with Emater-GO, Emater-MG, Senar and Rota da Fruticultura - Ride DF.

The event includes online technical talks and visits to reference properties, where there are successful experiences in growing the various fruits that will be included in the training. On July 27th, the theme of the lecture was "Table grapes: cultivars, production systems and market", with researcher João Dimas Maia, researcher at Embrapa Uva e Vinho (Bento Gonçalves, RS), who also participated in the technical visit.

Researcher João Dimas shared with the participants of the technical visit his great experience with grape cultivation in tropical environments. He spoke about the main cultivars, cultural practices and the great potential for market growth for table grapes in the Cerrado region. 

Grape cultivation in the Cerrado region has increased significantly, especially in the Federal District and Surrounding Region. According to the head of Technology Transfer at Embrapa Cerrados, Fábio Faleiro, to meet these demands more quickly and dynamically, partnerships were signed with several Embrapa units, such as Embrapa Uva de Vinho, and with technical assistance companies . In addition to Emater-DF, Emater-GO and Emater-MG are also partners. "Through these partnerships we will be able to enhance grape cultivation in the Cerrrado", he believes.

"This is yet another alternative that Embrapa offers not only to irrigating producers, but also to consumers who will be able to have an increasingly fresh and quality product at home", says researcher Renato Amabile, advisor and substitute for the Head of Embrapa Cerrados Technology Transfer.

"There is a huge demand for information on this subject and this exchange of experience is essential for cultivation to be truly successful", said researcher Maria Emília, deputy head of Research and Development. The two researchers participated in the visit representing the Management of Embrapa Cerrados.

According to researcher Nilton Junqueira, an Embrapa Cerrados specialist in fruit growing and who was also present on the technical visit, the production system for grapes in Cerrado conditions has been improved and this involves a great effort from producers. "We learn a lot from them and this exchange of knowledge is essential," he said. According to him, the system used in the region is an adaptation of the one used in Petrolina (PE), Jales (SP) and Pirapora (MG). "But in this region where we are, the climate and soil are different and it is necessary to adjust cultivation techniques", explains Junqueira.

Researcher Nilton Junqueira also highlighted the quality of the product that has been produced in the Cerrado. According to him, one of the factors that favor this result is the temperature range of the region (difference between the maximum and minimum temperature recorded in the same location). "Here, quality fruit is produced, sweet and acidic at the same time." For the specialist, it is important, however, that there is crop diversification on properties, so that they can produce fruit all year round. At Monte Branco farm, in addition to grapes, they also produce passion fruit. "This is very important, both to guarantee income for the producer and to generate employment", emphasizes Junqueira. 

Capacity

Training in Tropical Fruit Growing began in July and continues until February 2022, with a total of 17 lectures and 17 technical visits to properties with successful experience. The crops of banana, mango, avocado, soursop, native fruits from the Cerrado, papaya, pitaya, pineapple, guava, red fruits, temperate fruits in tropical environments, the fresh fruit market and agroindustry and organic cultivation will also be covered. The next lecture will be held on Tuesday (10) and will address the topic of grapes for wine and juice (visit here more information).

The event has the support of the Fruit Growing Route of the Integrated Development Region of the Federal District and Surroundings (Ride), one of the National Integration Routes, launched by the Ministry of Regional Development (MDR) with the aim of professionalizing the fruit growing production chain , integrating the subsystems of inputs, production, extractivism, processing and commercialization through the creation of agroforestry, agroindustrial and specialized service systems.