São Paulo produces 90% of Brazilian peanuts and houses an important part of the other links in the production chain

The article highlights the significance of paçoca and pé de moleque, traditional Brazilian sweets, during the Festa Juninas despite the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the contribution of agro paulista to the national production of these sweets, accounting for 90%, and the positive impact of the climate and increased dollar value on the peanut harvest in São Paulo. Despite the pandemic, production levels have remained stable, with Brazil's largest peanut-producing state, São Paulo, contributing 602.9 thousand tons and generating a value of R $ 1.03 billion in 2019. The state also saw success in exports, with 198 thousand tons of grains and 39 thousand tons of oil reaching various international markets. The article also touches on the scientific advancements in peanut cultivation, particularly the introduction of the IAC Semper Verde cultivar, which offers high productivity without the use of fungicide, and the ongoing researches on pest and disease management. The article emphasizes the importance of these developments, especially the contribution of small and medium-sized producers in the region, in boosting the local economy.