CMN includes individual rural producers and sole proprietors in financing for innovation and digitalization.

The National Monetary Council (CMN) approved the inclusion of individual entrepreneurs and individuals residing and domiciled in the country among the beneficiaries of financing operations for innovation, digitalization, and technological modernization with resources from the Workers' Support Fund (FAT) transferred to the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), with remuneration based on the Reference Rate (TR). The measure covers activities in the agricultural, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture sectors, as well as directly related services. The decision was formalized through CMN Resolution No. 5,306 and represents progress towards the technological modernization of Brazilian agriculture. The measure does not create a new line of credit, but expands the eligible public for existing operations financed with FAT resources, allowing individual rural producers and individual entrepreneurs to access financing for technological innovation, automation, rural connectivity, digitalization, and productive modernization. The initiative is the result of coordination between the Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock and Finance, in partnership with BNDES. The topic was discussed at a meeting between the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, and the bank's president, Aloizio Mercadante, held on April 30th, when initiatives aimed at innovation in the sector were discussed, including expanding access for individuals to financing lines. “This measure reinforces the partnership and collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and BNDES in favor of modernizing Brazilian agriculture. Expanding access for individual rural producers to financing focused on innovation and technological transformation will allow more producers to invest in machinery, equipment, connectivity, and precision agriculture. I thank President Aloizio Mercadante for the partnership and commitment to initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of national agriculture,” highlighted Minister André de Paula. In practice, the change allows individual rural producers access to financing programs and operations focused on innovation and technological transformation, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for each line. Examples include: – BNDES Mais Inovação – financing for innovation, digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence, connectivity, precision agriculture, and the adoption of new technologies; – BNDES Finame – acquisition of tractors, harvesters, sprayers, drones, precision agriculture equipment, sensors, and other machines with embedded technology; – Finame Baixo Carbono – financing of equipment aimed at reducing emissions and increasing the environmental efficiency of production; – Operations for the implementation of rural connectivity, internet in the countryside, remote monitoring systems, and digital infrastructure; – Projects for the automation of production processes, telemetry, sensors, traceability, and agricultural management software; – Projects for digital transformation and the adoption of Agro 4.0 technologies. The measure also expands access to operations aimed at acquiring capital goods with greater technological intensity, contributing to the modernization of agricultural production and the dissemination of advanced technologies in the field. In addition to the direct benefits to producers, the initiative contributes to the expansion of the production and marketing of machinery and equipment, especially in the agricultural sector, and to the promotion of technological modernization, increased productivity, and improved production conditions. The effects of the measure reach manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, generating positive externalities such as job and income creation, increased national production, and the strengthening of economic activity in the regions served, in line with the objectives of sustainable development. 

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.