Eloos Event Highlights Science and Technology as Pillars of Brazil's Agribusiness Future
The Eloos event in Belo Horizonte showcased how science, technology, and agronomic engineering are revolutionizing Brazil's agribusiness, with progress in productivity and income gains amid economic challenges.
- • Bernardo Scarpelli emphasized agronomic engineering’s role in boosting corn productivity from 5 to 16 tons per hectare over 30 years.
- • Ateg technical assistance program increased dairy farming income by 21% and coffee cultivation by 26%.
- • New technological tools like precision agriculture and bioinputs are shaping the sector’s evolution.
- • Economic challenges like high-interest rates hinder investment despite growth potential.
Key details
During the recent Eloos event held in Belo Horizonte, experts converged to underscore the transformative role of science, technology, and agronomic engineering in elevating Brazil's agricultural productivity, with a sharp focus on Minas Gerais. Bernardo Scarpelli, president of the Minas Gerais Society of Agronomists, highlighted major achievements such as the increase in corn productivity from approximately 5 tons per hectare 30 years ago to nearly 16 tons today, a testament to technological advancements in the sector. Scarpelli emphasized, “There is no way to talk about science and technology without mentioning agronomic engineering,” stressing methods to boost production without escalating costs.
The event, part of the Eloos Itatiaia project, featured discussions about overcoming structural and geopolitical challenges in agribusiness while enhancing sustainability through science, credit access, management, and infrastructure improvements. Antônio de Salvo, president of the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of Minas Gerais, praised the success of the Ateg program, which delivered an average income increase of 21% in dairy farming and 26% in coffee cultivation. He expressed a goal to expand technical assistance to all rural producers in the state within ten years, aiming to reduce dependence on state support.
Guilherme Raucci from Fundação Dom Cabral described a new technological age in Brazilian agriculture marked by bioinputs, precision agriculture, improved seeds, and digital tools, while recognizing the challenge of converting vast farm data into actionable decisions. State Deputy Ludmila Falcão credited innovation and institutions like Epamig and Emater-MG for boosting the competitiveness of Minas Gerais’ agribusiness. However, former governor Romeu Zema raised concerns over high interest rates and rising delinquency, factors dampening investment enthusiasm necessary for modernization.
João Vitor Xavier, CEO of CNN Brasil, reiterated the strategic importance of the agri-sector for Brazil’s economy and global reputation, calling for stronger government support to maintain competitiveness across farm sizes. The Eloos gathering, broadcast live and part of a series addressing Minas Gerais’ economic development, highlighted that continued innovation and technical support are key to sustaining Brazil’s agricultural productivity and economic growth.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
