In 2021, the value of agricultural production in Santa Catarina reached its highest historical mark: 55.8 billion reais, which represents a 36.4% increase in percentage terms compared to the previous year. The numbers highlight the importance of agribusiness in the state, which accounts for 30% of Santa Catarina’s GDP and 70% of exports.

Acting Governor Moasir Sopelsa (center) attended the opening of the new industry. – Photo: GECOM/ND

The Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of the State of Santa Catarina (Fecoagro) is one of those responsible for promoting the sector. Therefore, this Friday (30th) in Sao Francisco do Sul, in the north of the state, a new fertilizer plant was opened.

With an investment of 27 million reais from BRDE, the new mixer will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, doubling the current capacity from 60 to 120 tons per hour.

Fecoagro President Arno Pandolfo said the factory would be of great help to the grower who uses the fertilizer on his farm.

“Everything Fecoagro does is done with quality. In addition, we are indicators of this price in the state and in the country. Without Fecoagro, the producer would have to buy products from another industry,” added Arno Pandolfo.

According to Luis Vicente Susin of the Organization of Cooperatives of the State of Santa Catarina (Ocesc), SC cooperatives are becoming more and more innovative. “We have to provide quality to our partner, our manufacturer, and that is what we provide,” he emphasizes.

BRDE has already supported other projects in the same São Francisco do Sul complex, totaling R$ 50 million.

“Agriculture is one of the main economic pillars of our state. This is a chain of good news that such an enterprise generates, ”classified Marcone Sousa Melo, superintendent of BRDE.

Photo: GECOM/ND

For Minister of Agriculture Ricardo Miotto, the new mixer is a portrait of the quality of agribusiness in Santa Catarina. “Fertilizers are of strategic importance for maximizing productivity. Since SC is small, we need to invest in technology. These investments will be reflected in the greater profitability of the villager. With this, the whole society is all right.”

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Photo: GECOM/ND

“This is the development of agribusiness, and the state government must provide this infrastructure together, whether it be logistics, technical assistance through Epagri, animal and plant health through Cidasc…,” added Miotto.

In addition to innovating in the sector with state-of-the-art technology, the new Fecoagro division has created 180 new direct jobs.

“This is the largest fertilizer company in Santa Catarina and we are happy to have it installed in our city, even because of the ease of logistics thanks to the port,” said Mayor of São Francisco do Sul Godofredo Gomes Moreira .

Photo: GECOM/ND

Acting State Governor Moasir Sopelsa stressed the importance of the cooperative movement.

“This industry is capable of producing all the fertilizer that Santa Catarina consumes. The investments made and the work of the employees are aimed at the benefit of the cooperative itself and the quality of what is produced. This is the difference between cooperativism,” concluded Sopelsa.

President of the Port of San Francisco Vladimir Fay noted that the plant is very important for the state, and in this case for the port.

“All these fertilizers come through the port. Therefore, it is very important that we have a large retro area for the storage and production of the mixture, so that it reaches the facilities of Santa Catarina, which produce our food and at the same time our grain, which is exported.”

On this occasion, a protocol of intent was also signed for the construction of a footbridge on BR-280 in front of Fecoagro. 3.5 million reais will be invested in the work, resources will be transferred by the state government and carried out by the municipality of São Francisco do Sul.

*Courtesy of Tabatha Porti, reporter for NDTV Record Joinville.