Brazil Advances Sustainable Agriculture with World Bank Support and Russian Investment Talks in Acre

Brazil is making significant strides in promoting sustainable agricultural development through major initiatives in the states of Paraíba and Acre. The World Bank has approved US$50 million for the Sustainable Rural Development Project—Phase II—in Paraíba, aiming to boost income, job creation, and climate resilience for family farmers in this northeastern region. The project, part of a broader US$67.13 million initiative, focuses on improving rural infrastructure, enhancing market access, and supporting vulnerable groups including poor families, women, youth, and traditional communities. Cécile Fruman, World Bank Director for Brazil, noted this effort will help family farmers in Paraíba adapt to climate change and seize new rural economic opportunities.

Simultaneously, Acre is advancing dialogue with a Russian business delegation to establish a large organic fertilizer industry within its Export Processing Zone (ZPE) in Senador Guiomard. This follows an earlier mission to Russia and reflects Acre's strategy for international economic integration. The ZPE now features improved infrastructure, land regularization, and updated legislation designed to attract significant industrial investment. Officials highlighted Acre's favorable logistics, including the Rota Quadrante Rondon corridor connecting to Pacific ports in Peru and access to a regional market of around 30 million people.

Key representatives such as Assurbanípal Mesquita, Acre's Secretary of Industry, Science, and Technology, underscored ongoing negotiations with the Russian Fertilizers and Soil Improvement Producers Union, representing over 300 companies. Technical soil analyses have begun to ensure suitability for agricultural inputs, promising enhanced crop productivity and reduced dependence on external imports. Ricardo Brandão, Secretary of Planning, described the ZPE as a cornerstone for the state's long-term economic agenda, while representatives from both Brazil and Russia expressed optimism about the partnership's potential to foster sustainable agricultural growth and regional development.

These coordinated efforts demonstrate Brazil's commitment to integrating climate-smart agriculture, infrastructure development, and international investment to support resilient rural economies and sustainable farming practices in strategically important states.