At Expodireto Cotrijal, minister defends access to land for farmers

Claudio Medaglia, from Não-Me-Toque (RS)

Encouraging access to land by small farmers was highlighted in the speech by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Carlos Fávaro, this Monday (6th), during the official opening of the 23rd Expodireto Cotrijal, in Não-Me-Toque (RS). Supported by the speech of support from the president of the fair, Nei Manica, the minister sought to undo the differences between large and small rural producers by defending the possibility of growth and the conquest of property for all.

Cautious, but showing courage, Fávaro called attention to the public that filled the central auditorium of the event park before introducing the theme. The risky maneuver ended in applause after silence filled the space as he spoke. Soon after, the politician was peremptory in stating that “the federal government does not condone under any circumstances” with the invasion of private and productive lands.

Thus, caressing two poles of different points of view, the minister repudiated the anti-democratic acts of January 8 and supported the arrest of the leader of the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) José Rainha, during the weekend, in the midst of discussions about the return of land invasions across the country. “As in this case, others will suffer the rigors of the law if they do not respect the right to private property. The right to property is legitimate. And so is the right to dream of conquering one’s own land,” he observed.

Earlier, Carlos Fávaro reiterated the position that the federal government’s doors are open to all who recognize the result of the polls and that it is time to work together for Brazil. “In 2024 or 2026, if you want to support or finance the candidate you understand best, there is no problem. But now, we need unity. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recognizes that the situation in Rio Grande do Sul, with the drought , requires attention. Emergency resources of R$ 430 million have already been announced to tackle the problems with the drought in the first place. But we know that it is not enough and that more is needed. Structuring public policies will be necessary. And we will do it”, assured the minister.

He highlighted that the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) will open a credit line with resources of US$ 5 billion for the sector, and that the government is working for more agile financing modalities. But he pointed out that high interest rates are a problem to be overcome. “The fiscal measures by the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, show the seriousness and commitment of this government to the country’s financial stability. We need to sensitize the president of the Central Bank so that it is possible to reduce interest rates and enable the creation of programs accessible to the producer”.

Fávaro also emphasized the importance of protecting Brazil’s health status in the face of difficult times around the world, especially with avian flu. “We have an efficient system, but attention and investments need to be maintained to strengthen health surveillance so that Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná can conquer markets already reached by Santa Catarina.”

The minister also pointed out that the Union is working hard to lift the self-suspension of beef shipments to China, due to the appearance of a case of foot-and-mouth disease in a bovine in Pará. Analyzed by a laboratory in Canada, the sample was considered “atypical”, with no risk of proliferation by Brazilian herds.

Before him, the president of Expodireto Cotrijal, Nei Manica, said that it is necessary to strengthen the minister, who is the “sector spokesperson” with the federal government. Manica asked and expressed support for Fávaro, a rural producer in Mato Grosso and knowledgeable about agribusiness problems. Manica also highlighted the fair as a center for the dissemination of technologies, innovation and business opportunities, as well as the search for political solutions to agribusiness problems.

“We face a bad moment in the weather, with three droughts in four harvests. We hope, yes, for measures that will help us to overcome these difficulties”, said the leader.

He highlighted the need to improve and improve environmental legislation to enable the reservation and use of rainwater, since there are legal impasses arising from protection standards, especially for Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs). “With more water, we will have fewer problems, generating economic growth, jobs and income”.

The issue of insecurity in the countryside was also addressed by Governor Eduardo Leite (PSDB), who guaranteed the immediate use of police forces in any cases of invasion of private properties in Rio Grande do Sul. Leite dealt with the subject attributing economic repercussions to it. “When there is insecurity, the investor withdraws. Nobody wants to put money where there is risk or where the chances of return are lower. Insecurity is also priced, it raises costs and burdens the consumer”, said the governor, to applause.

After the inauguration of the fair, which also included the participation of state and federal deputies, senators of the Republic, state secretaries and the ambassador of Ghana in Brazil, Abena Busia, the entourage circulated through the park. The plaque in honor of Senator Tereza Cristina (Progressistas-MS), former Minister of Agriculture, on the Walk of Fame at Expodireto also gained prominence in the political programming.

The fair continues until this Friday (10th), with an intense schedule of lectures, panels, technical demonstrations and business. After all, there are 591 companies present in the 131 hectares of the park, 31 of them only in the Agrodigital Arena. This Tuesday, one of the highlights in the space is the panel Israel’s Innovative Agro Ecosystem, at 10am. In the afternoon, starting at 2 pm, the approach will be on the Impact of Israeli technologies on Brazilian Agro.