Biotech Updates

Small-Scale Farmers in North of Brazil Receive Improved Seeds

January 19, 2007

The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) has started this week distributing to small-scale farmers in the North-east of the country maize and bean seeds with improved resistance to climatic stresses and with increased croppings per season. More than 44000 farmers from 83 cities will benefit from the project, aimed at raising the productivity of small farms, and thereby the income of rural families.

“These are varieties that have a production potential above the average, compared to conventional seeds. Therefore they can meet the household requirements, and also generate a surplus for sale, generating extra income for the family”, said João Marcelo Intini, from the Secretariat of Familiar Agriculture of the Agrarian Ministry of Public Works and the Economy Brazil.

Read more at: http://www.agenciabrasil.gov.br/noticias/2007/01/15/materia.2007-01-15.0514608332/view