Farmers in São Paulo are increasing their use of their own capital, according to a survey by ABMR&A.

Farmers in São Paulo state are increasingly using their own resources and rural credit to meet working capital demands on their farms, indicating a significant shift in financial behavior in the agricultural sector. Data from the 9th ABMRA Survey on Rural Producer Habits shows that the use of own capital for this purpose increased from 78% in 2021 to 84% in 2025. During the same period, rural credit also gained importance, jumping from 8% to 17% as an alternative adopted by producers. The greater use of own resources is also evident in the financing of agricultural equipment, such as tractors, harvesters, and implements. In 2021, 59% of producers resorted to this source, a percentage that rose to 79% in the most recent survey. This trend reinforces the leading role of own capital as the main source of financing for investments in the agricultural sector. More than a financial change, this progress indicates a transformation in the profile of the rural producer, who is now assuming a more active and strategic role in business management. According to Ricardo Nicodemos, president of the Brazilian Association of Rural and Agricultural Marketing (ABMRA), this scenario also imposes new challenges on how companies and brands relate to this audience. “The rural producer in São Paulo is more proactive and discerning in their decisions, including financial ones. For brands, this demands communication more connected to the reality of the field, based on data, trust, and value delivery,” he states. :: Climate leads concerns The research also highlights the growing weight of climate issues in the daily lives of rural producers in São Paulo. According to the survey, 99% of producers believe that climate change will have some kind of impact on production, whether through prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, or temperature variations. This perception is reflected in the challenges faced daily. Climate appears as the main concern, cited by 68% of respondents, followed by production costs (41%) and marketing (33%). Despite recognizing the need for adaptation, the adoption of new management technologies still faces obstacles. The survey shows that 28% of producers consider the barriers to implementing these solutions to be high or very high. Among the main obstacles are the high cost, lack of information, limited technical support, restricted access to resources, and uncertainties regarding the results. :: About the ABMRA Rural Producer Habits Survey The ABMRA Rural Producer Habits Survey is considered the largest survey on the profile of Brazilian rural producers. 3,100 face-to-face interviews were conducted in 16 states, covering 14 agricultural crops, four types of livestock, and a questionnaire with 280 questions.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.