The construction of the first agricultural machinery factory in Brazil dedicated exclusively to family farming has recently been confirmed, following the signing of three contracts in Beijing. The project results from a partnership between Sinomach, China's leading machinery industry, and Brazilian technology company OZ Earth, with the Landless Rural Workers' Movement (MST) and the Municipal Council of Maricá in Rio de Janeiro as strategic partners.

The factory will be established in the Ponta Negra district of Maricá, near the RJ-106 highway, with an estimated investment of R$200 million and the potential to generate up to 500 indirect jobs.

The facility will have an annual production capacity of up to 5,000 units of 25 and 50 horsepower models, designed to meet the needs of small-scale agriculture. The machinery will be supplied to associations and cooperatives involved in land reform and traditional family farming, through public policies such as Pronaf (National Programme for Strengthening Family Farming) and state procurement programmes.

(Source: Brasil de Fato, on 6 March)