Cocoa: see measures discussed to support producers in Pará

Cocoa production in Pará faces marketing difficulties due to reduced purchases by milling companies. According to data released by the Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil (CNA), the entity and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) discussed, on Tuesday (15), measures to support producers and expand sales and storage alternatives.

The meeting was attended by the CNA's Agricultural Production Coordinator, Guilherme Rios, the technical advisor Madeliny Saracho Jara, and the Secretary of Agricultural Policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Guilherme Campos.

During the meeting, according to data released by the CNA, producers reported the difficulties they face in selling their produce due to reduced purchases by milling companies.

With fewer marketing options available, producers have resorted to grain traders and intermediaries to sell their almonds. In many cases, these transactions occur at prices below market value.

"This reduces bargaining power and puts pressure on income in the countryside," Rios explained.

Given this scenario, the coordinator highlighted the need to expand the alternatives available to cocoa producers, both for marketing and for storing their production.

According to data released by the CNA, alternatives for creating new marketing channels were also discussed during the meeting. Among the possibilities is the Federal Government Acquisition Program (AGF).

Participants also evaluated rural credit instruments that could offer support to producers given the current market conditions.

For the CNA (National Confederation of Agriculture), the search for alternatives involves understanding the factors that led to the suspension of purchases by milling companies and creating channels that allow producers to market their production under more favorable conditions.

"It is necessary to understand what led to the suspension of purchases and, at the same time, seek alternatives that guarantee marketing channels and better conditions for the producer, preventing them from being pressured to sell their production at unfavorable prices," said Guilherme Rios.