Embrapa increases number of new projects in Africa
Folha de S. Paulo
The Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Company) is increasing its cooperation with Africa and sees the narrowing of the ties as an opportunity for the Brazilian companies and a political affirmation. Yesterday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met representatives of 25 countries of the region to deal with the technological cooperation, on the eve of his speech at the FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organization).
"There is no doubt it will be good for the companies involved in agribusiness, such as manufacturers of tractor and infrastructure", said the President of Embrapa, Pedro Arraes Pereira, who accompanied da Silva in Rome.
Brazil is willing to transfer the technology it used to increase the production in the area of the Brazilian Cerrado (tropical savanna ecoregion). The evaluation is that the African Savanna can be cultivated in a similar way. In Mozambique, a pilot-project was initiated nearly a month and a half ago.
There are already 9 projects underway and 16 being evaluated in 16 countries. Pereira declared that the initiative, which should boost the production of soy and other foods in the continent, does not undermine the export possibilities of Brazil. "Many of these countries currently import most of their food. Cape Verde, for instance, imports 80% of its food". The Embrapa has already opened a branch in Ghana. The projects are funded by the Japanese Government, which provides most of its funds.