In Brazil, QU Dongyu’s visit to family farmers highlights agricultural progress and local innovations

Brazil - During his trip to Brazil to participate in the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting and the Launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu made a point to visit family farmers in Magé, near Rio de Janeiro, a community whose experience provided valuable insights on the impact of international support to local agriculture.

QU toured two significant sites benefiting from technical assistance provided by FAO, together with the Brazilian National Program for the Strengthening of Family Farming (PRONAF) and with funding from the World Bank.

At Adauri Silva’s farm in Cachoeira Grande, Qu saw firsthand how technical assistance from the Magé Municipal Department of Sustainable Agriculture and the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Emater-Rio) transformed production. Adauri Silva, a farmer known for his diverse cultivation of fruits and colorful peppers, has implemented techniques such as an irrigation system and greenhouses to protect his crops from climatic adversities. The Director-General was particularly impressed by the pest management strategies crucial in Magé’s hot and humid climate. He also sampled local produce, including guava and pupunha hearts of palm, as well as dedo-de-moça peppers grown on the farm.

In Conceição de Suruí, Qu visited the farm of Oscar Ernesto, who 15 years ago started a 30,000-plant pupunha heart of palm plantation, exemplifying the potential of family farming in the region. During his tour, the Director-General noted that one of the indicators that the plantation does not use pesticides is the presence of fish and aquatic plants in the region's streams. The State Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Supply of Rio de Janeiro, Dr Deodalto José Ferreira, accompanied the Director-General at the field visit. The FAO delegation was also welcomed by representatives from various entities, including the agricultural community, Emater-Rio, the Rio de Janeiro State Fisheries Institute Foundation (FIPERJ), and the Waldemar Mello Cultural Center (CCEWAME).

The visit witnessed the achievement of Brazil in alleviating hunger and poverty in rural areas, highlighting the progress of collaborative efforts between FAO and local communities, underscoring the vital role of family farmers in sustainable agriculture and the importance of ongoing support and innovation in the sector.