The tour, organized by EACEA, has been organized for the third time, after two successful editions. "All of the people that joined us over the last two years eventually adapted the things they have seen and learned about in Mexico into their own operations," said Da Silva. As an example he tells about one of the growers that joined the tour two years ago. "At the time, it was his first visit to Mexico, he had a very low tech greenhouse of 10 hectares in Brazil. After he saw what Mexicans are capable of with the new techniques, he went back and further developed his company. Nowadays the grower has 80 hectares of medium tech greenhouses. The grower is now even on the verge to invest in pipe rail heating,ventilation and even CO2 dosing systems."
"This proves that Brazilian growers really want to learn more about greenhouse growing, especially regarding tomato and bell pepper crops", said Da Silva. "Brazil has a similar climate to Mexico, but the growers need more knowledge. On the other hand, the possibility of marketing the produce on the Brazillian market is huge, unlike Mexico where the current situation is more difficult and growers are facing problem with exporting to the USA. In Brazil however, the retailers are demanding domestic produce, so together with learning the skills from the Mexicans, Brazilian farmers are feeling really confident about investing in greenhouse growing techniques."
The group will spend one week in Mexico and consists of around 30 participants. Next to a large amount of growers, a cooperative delegation supported by a local Brazilian small business development agency (Sebrae), will also benefit from several delegates and technicians from seed breeders. "
If you want to learn more about the tour or the program please contact Andrés Da Silva at andresdasilva@live.ca or www.eacea.com.br