Brazil's Ministry of Ag highlights priorities for strengthening agriculture

On June 2, Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, participated in an open meeting of the Agribusiness Council of the Commercial Association of São Paulo (ACSP) at the organization’s headquarters in São Paulo. Under the theme “Dialogue, Innovation and Growth: The New Moment of Brazilian Agribusiness,” the minister presented the main initiatives and priorities of Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the sector.

During the meeting, André de Paula also discussed the challenges faced by rural producers and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to enhancing the competitiveness and growth of Brazilian agribusiness.

He further stressed the importance of listening to producers, cooperatives, industry associations, and lawmakers to develop solutions aligned with the needs of the agricultural sector. He highlighted the strategic role of agriculture and livestock production in Brazil’s economy, citing its contribution to GDP and job creation. The minister also underscored agribusiness’s decisive contribution to national economic growth, noting that the sector’s performance has been a key driver of Brazil’s positive economic results in recent years.

2026/27 Crop Plan

Minister André de Paula also highlighted preparations for Brazil’s 2026/27 Crop Plan (Plano Safra), which is scheduled to be announced on July 1. According to the minister, the goal is to increase the resources available to the agricultural sector and, above all, secure more affordable financing conditions for rural producers.

He stated that, in addition to expanding the volume of credit, a key objective is to ensure that interest rates remain more accessible to farmers.

André de Paula also noted that the first three Crop Plans under the current administration have allocated a combined BRL 1.547 trillion to the sector—more than double the BRL 713 billion made available during the previous administration’s four years in office.

“We want to build a robust Crop Plan, but also ensure that interest rates are affordable for rural producers,” he said.

Market access

According to Minister André de Paula, Brazil’s trade expansion strategy has helped diversify export destinations and create new opportunities for different agricultural value chains, strengthening the country's agribusiness presence in the world's most important markets.

China and agricultural health protection

Addressing international relations, André de Paula highlighted the importance of China as the leading trading partner for Brazilian agribusiness. The minister pointed to recent progress in bilateral negotiations and welcomed China's recognition of Brazil as a country free of foot and mouth disease without vaccination.

He also emphasized the strength of Brazil’s agricultural health and inspection system, highlighting its capacity to respond to animal health emergencies and the credibility the country has earned among the world's major importing markets.

Fertilizers

The minister highlighted federal government initiatives aimed at reducing Brazil’s dependence on imported fertilizers and strengthening supply security for the agricultural sector. These measures include cooperation with supplier countries such as China and Nigeria, as well as efforts to revive domestic production through the reopening of fertilizer plants across the country.

André de Paula also noted that Brazil imports most of the fertilizers it consumes and stated that the reactivation of industrial facilities will gradually increase domestic production, enhancing both the competitiveness and supply security of Brazilian agriculture.