2023-06-16 20:34:35
Governor Jorginho Mello authorized the release of a total of R$ 110 million for the Terra Boa Program, guaranteeing the distribution of 200,000 bags of corn seeds to farmers in Santa Catarina. The resources include an extra R$ 11 million contribution to the budget, which adds 60,000 extra units for distribution to rural producers in Santa Catarina. Each will be entitled to five bags of corn seeds in 2023.
The governor’s determination responds to appeals from rural producers, who were dissatisfied with the reduction in the volume of bags sent by the Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of the State of Santa Catarina (Fecoagro). Responsible for the application of resources in agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture, the federation had limited the distribution of the input in 140 thousand bags.
Initially, Terra Boa’s budget provided for R$ 110 million, but given the need to guarantee the balance of public accounts, the State Finance Department proposed a budget adjustment of R$ 100.8 million, shortly after the announcement of the Fiscal Adjustment, in March. Even with a 20% higher amount available compared to the previous year, Fecoagro chose to distribute almost 42 thousand bags of corn seeds less than in 2022. Other programs ended up receiving more resources at the entity’s option.
As corn is the main input for animal feed and Santa Catarina is one of the largest importers of the grain in the country, the reduction in the number of sacks of corn seeds caused great concern among producers. Sensitive to the issue, Governor Jorginho Mello determined that the budget for Terra Boa in 2023 return to the initial projection of BRL 110 million, which in practice makes it possible to purchase and distribute 200,000 units.
“We recognize the hard work and dedication of all the farmers assisted by the Terra Boa Program. We heard the appeals from the field and decided to invest more so that each producer maintains his right to up to five sacks of corn seed per year. News that brings relief to those who plant and strengthens agricultural production in our state”, highlighted the governor.
Incentive to corn production
The State Government invested more than BRL 35.3 million in 2023 to encourage the production of corn in Santa Catarina, the main animal feed input. This is one of the most traditional public policies in rural Santa Catarina and results from an agreement signed between the Department of Agriculture and Fecoagro.
The program also supports the acquisition of high genetic value corn seeds, which generate a higher yield per planted hectare — these represent more than 70% of the seeds withdrawn by the producers. With Terra Boa, the farmer receives up to five bags of seeds and returns them in corn bags the next year, with the harvest product. The type and technological level define the exchange rate. After obtaining authorizations from the municipalities’ Epagri, farmers are able to withdraw from accredited cooperatives or farming houses.
Source:
Department of Agriculture – SC
#Governor #guarantees #BRL #million #thousand #bags #corn #seeds #for..