In São Paulo, this Tuesday (2), the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, André de Paula, participated in the inauguration of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) office in the capital of São Paulo. The ceremony was held at the Superintendence of Agriculture and Livestock in the State of São Paulo (SFA-SP) and included the signing of the Technical Cooperation Agreement between Embrapa and the Carrefour Brasil Group for the training of rural producers and suppliers, especially in the fruit, vegetable and produce (FLV) segment. During the ceremony, the minister highlighted Embrapa's contribution to the development of Brazilian agriculture and the importance of bringing research, production and the market closer together. “One of the main reasons for the success and the dimension that agriculture has reached in Brazil is Embrapa. The installation of this office and the signing of this partnership reinforce the importance of the institution in generating knowledge and supporting the productive sector,” he highlighted. Commenting on the agreement signed with the Carrefour Brazil Group, the minister highlighted the strategic role of cooperation in expanding the reach of technical knowledge and strengthening the competitiveness of agricultural production. The president of Embrapa, Silvia Massruhá, emphasized that the institution's presence in São Paulo expands opportunities for cooperation with companies and organizations in the productive sector. “Embrapa is in high demand by companies and institutions in the productive sector. Being closer to these partners allows us to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and technology to those who produce. The partnership with Carrefour will contribute to the training of producers and the strengthening of the entire agri-food chain,” she stated. Representing the Carrefour Brazil Group, the company's Risk Management Director, Elizeu José de Lucena, pointed out that the initiative is aligned with the company's commitment to sustainability and the strengthening of the productive chain. “Today there are more than a thousand stores and more than 150,000 employees. We understand our responsibility as a link between the producer and the consumer. Embrapa arrives to be a great reference in efficiency and research, supporting this journey of development and positive impact for small producers,” he said. Also participating in the ceremony were the executive secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Cleber Soares; the Secretary of Agricultural Policy, Guilherme Campos; the head of Embrapa Instrumentation, José Manoel Marconcini; and the superintendent of Agriculture and Livestock in the State of São Paulo, Estanislau Steck.
The Technical Cooperation Agreement
The agreement, "Journey to Autonomy and e-Field for the Production of Technical Content," will be in effect for four years and aims to integrate efforts for the training and development of suppliers to supermarket chains, rural producers, and other stakeholders. Through the partnership, technical and educational content will be produced, such as videos, courses, and teaching materials, combining the technical and scientific knowledge of Embrapa and Carrefour's experience in managing its supply chain. The initiative connects two digital platforms: Embrapa's e-Field and the Journey to Autonomy, from the Carrefour Brazil Group. The training will cover topics such as good agricultural practices, post-harvest technology, food safety, traceability, socio-environmental responsibility, loss reduction, and sustainability. The cooperation also includes monitoring supplier performance indicators, identifying opportunities for improvement, and promoting actions focused on quality, socio-environmental compliance, and productive efficiency. Among the planned actions is the availability of the Post-Harvest Technology Course for Fruits and Vegetables on digital platforms. This initiative aims to broaden the reach of training programs developed by Embrapa and strengthen the sustainable development of the fruit and vegetable sector, bringing together scientific research, rural production, and retail. The estimated investment in the partnership is R$ 1.8 million, with approximately R$ 700,000 contributed by Embrapa and R$ 1.1 million by the Carrefour Brasil Group. The resources will be used to mobilize technical teams, infrastructure, and the execution of the activities planned in the project. The partnership seeks to improve the supply chain, enhance food quality, reduce losses, value rural producers, and strengthen sustainable and socially responsible practices. The expectation is to increase the supply of higher quality, safer, and more sustainable food for Brazilian consumers.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.