Plano Safra: the challenge is for producers to access credit, warns Cesario Ramalho, from the ACSP’s Agricultural Council.

Regardless of the volume of resources offered in the 2026/27 Harvest Plan, the real problem persists: the inability of a large portion of producers to access credit lines due to high levels of indebtedness, warns Cesario Ramalho, coordinator of the Agribusiness Council of the São Paulo Commercial Association (ACSP). "Will the producer be able to secure financing?" asks Ramalho. "A solution is needed to give producers breathing room; otherwise, credit will remain inaccessible." From the perspective of the amount offered, Ramalho points out that the 1.7% increase is positive, as are single-digit interest rates for medium-sized producers, the most affected category in recent years, in addition to special conditions for those advancing in the adoption of sustainable practices. On the other hand, rural insurance – increasingly essential in the face of climate change – remains fragile, held hostage by budget cuts. In this context, Brazil needs to address a model of agricultural policy that allows for longer-term access to credit. "Having a plan for each harvest season removes predictability, puts everyone at the mercy of short-term circumstances, and ultimately fuels insecurity and delays investments."

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.