MAPA: Brazil Agribusiness helped to hold grains GDP during the pandemic, says minister

Brazil's agricultural sector has played a crucial role in supporting the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, as highlighted by the country's Agriculture Minister, Tereza Cristina. The sector has seen a record grain harvest of 253 million tons and a 10% increase in exports, totaling US $ 61 billion in the first half of the year. The minister credited the growth to significant investment in research, favorable weather conditions, and strategic partnerships to prevent logistical issues. To further boost exports, Brazil has started exporting new products to several new markets, and is expected to receive recognition from the World Organization for Animal Health to export beef without vaccination, which could increase the value of its product in the international market. For the upcoming 2020/2021 harvest, the Safra Plan will provide R $ 236 billion in subsidized credit to rural producers, with a focus on small and medium-sized producers and sustainable and IT projects in agriculture.