EN 
PT_BR 
Coffee and fish producers from southern Minas Gerais discovered new export opportunities during the 22nd edition of the Agro Exporter Caravan, held in Alfenas (MG).
The opening was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), the Municipal Secretariat for Economic Development, the Municipal Secretariat for Agriculture, the Superintendence of Innovation and Agricultural Economy of SEAGRI/MG, the Alfenas City Council and Banco do Brasil.
The first module, focused on the coffee chain, discussed export opportunities and the region's potential for specialty coffee production. The presentations brought together representatives from MAPA, ApexBrasil, Banco do Brasil, and SEAGRI/MG, in addition to the virtual participation of Brazilian agricultural attachés in China.
Photo: Map
In the afternoon, the focus was on fish farming, an activity driven by the Furnas Lagoon. The discussions addressed regulatory issues, supply chain organization, and women's leadership in the sector. The panel featured contributions from Banco do Brasil, the Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives (OCB/OCEMG), and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC), which presented the "Elas Exportam" program online. The closing session featured a speech by a local fish farmer who shared her practical experience.
The event brought together around 100 participants, including rural producers, technicians from the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company (Emater), the Minas Gerais Institute of Agriculture (IMA) and the Minas Gerais Agricultural Research Company (Epamig), as well as representatives from associations and cooperatives.
Caravans in numbers
Since its launch in late 2024, 22 editions have been held in different states. By the end of 2025, another 12 are planned in strategic regions such as the Federal District, Tocantins, São Paulo, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Maranhão, Amazonas, and Mato Grosso.
Among the most popular events are the Show Safra, in Mato Grosso, which brought together 500 people, and the Encontros que Conectam Mulheres, in Minas Gerais, with 460 participants.
The topics reflect the diversity of Brazilian agriculture: bovine genetics and animal breeding, grains and pulses, fruits and regional products, animal proteins, beverages and derivatives. In Alfenas, coffee and fish were chosen for their regional relevance and potential for international integration.
Partnerships
The Agro Exporter Caravans rely on a broad cooperation network. Strategic partners include the Brazilian Zebu Breeders Association (ABCZ), the Brazilian Girolando Breeders Association, the Brazilian Artificial Insemination Association (ASBIA), the Brazilian Bean and Pulse Institute (IBRAFE), the Brazilian Cachaça Institute (IBRAC), the Paraná State Cooperatives Union and Organization (OCEPAR), and the Rio Grande do Sul State Cooperatives Organization (OCERGS). They also include MAPA, the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), state and municipal departments, banks, and credit unions.
With this collaboration, the initiative has strengthened the internationalization of diverse production chains, from specialty coffees from Minas Gerais to Amazonian fruits, including grains, fish, and beverages.
