Brazil-China Seminar Advances Innovation and Mechanization for Family Agriculture
Brazil and China convene in Brasília to strengthen innovation and mechanization policies supporting family agriculture through technological cooperation and investment strategies.
- • MCTI and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology launched a Joint Laboratory at INSA focusing on agricultural mechanization and AI.
- • Ceará plans R$ 4.1 million investment in tractors and implements for family farms in 17 municipalities by 2025.
- • Programs like PROMAQ and Hora de Plantar support rural associations with technology and quality inputs in Ceará.
- • The seminar fosters Brazilian and Chinese company collaboration and aligns with Brazil's New Industry Brazil Program.
Key details
On January 27, 2026, Brasília hosted a significant seminar organized by Brazil's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) in partnership with China's Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on agricultural mechanization, innovation, and enhancing family agriculture productivity and sustainability. The event featured key discussions among government officials, researchers, and industry leaders from both nations, aiming to strengthen collaboration in agricultural technologies.
A highlight of the seminar was the launch of the Joint Laboratory for Agricultural Mechanization and Artificial Intelligence for Family Agriculture at Brazil’s National Institute of Semi-Arid (INSA), a research entity under MCTI. Minister Luciana Santos underscored the laboratory’s strategic role, mentioning its collaboration with China's Agricultural University to develop customized mechanization and intelligent automation technologies. These efforts target increased productivity, environmental sustainability, and integration of family agriculture into Brazil’s production chain.
The Brazilian state of Ceará also took part, presenting its innovation and mechanization policies. Executive Secretary Adeline Lobão detailed Ceará’s planned investments worth R$ 4.1 million for procurement of tractors and implements in 2025, targeting 17 municipalities. The state implements programs like PROMAQ, which supports rural associations and farmers, and Hora de Plantar, focusing on quality seeds and technical assistance. Tax incentives on agricultural inputs and machinery bolster small-scale producers, complemented by intergovernmental cooperation to stimulate agricultural technology development.
Chinese Ambassador Zhu Qingqiao emphasized the global significance of Brazil-China collaboration amid contemporary international challenges. The seminar further provided a platform for networking among companies from both countries to foster joint innovation in family agriculture.
This seminar aligns with Brazil's New Industry Brazil Program, reinforcing priorities such as technological sovereignty and regional development. It marks a milestone in enhancing bilateral scientific cooperation and leveraging technology to boost the socio-economic fabric of family farming communities in Brazil’s semi-arid regions.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
