EN 
PT_BR 
The Mato Grosso Soybean and Corn Producers Association (Aprosoja MT) participated, this Thursday (March 19), in a meeting with rural producers and representatives of the Government of Mato Grosso to discuss issues related to the State Transportation and Housing Fund (Fethab).
The meeting was promoted by the Agro MT Forum and included the participation of presidents, leaders, and associates of the entities that make up the movement, among them the Mato Grosso Breeders Association (Acrimat), the Mato Grosso Swine Breeders Association (Acrismat), the Mato Grosso Cotton Producers Association (AMPA), the Mato Grosso Seed Producers Association (APROSMAT), the Mato Grosso Agriculture and Livestock Federation (Famato), the Union and Organization of Brazilian Cooperatives in the State of Mato Grosso (OCB/MT System), as well as Aprosoja MT, the Vice-Governor of the State of Mato Grosso, Otaviano Pivetta, and the Secretary of State for Economic Development, César Miranda.
During the meeting, the main demands of the productive sector were presented, with emphasis on the request not to renew Fethab II at the end of this year. The entities also presented data on the impact of the fund on the profitability of agricultural activities, especially in a scenario marked by high interest rates, increased production costs and producer indebtedness, a reality that has put pressure on different production chains in the state.
The president of Aprosoja MT, Lucas Costa Beber, acknowledges the importance of the resources collected by Fethab for the development of Mato Grosso, especially for the infrastructure improvements over the last few years. However, given the current scenario faced by producers, marked by economic difficulties and high production costs, he emphasizes that the issue needs to be reevaluated, with the development of solutions that consider the sector's current reality.
“We are experiencing a crisis, and the numbers presented by IMEA demonstrate that the scenario is serious and that the problem has worsened in the current harvest. At this delicate moment for our sector, marked by high interest rates, historically high levels of debt, and difficulties in harvesting in various regions, it is essential that we seek this solution together with the State Government,” emphasizes the president of Aprosoja MT.
According to the Secretary of Finance for the state of Mato Grosso, Rogério Luiz Gallo, agriculture is facing a turbulent period, driven by high production costs. Given this scenario, he emphasized that discussions remain open with the productive sectors, allowing for continued dialogue and the development of joint solutions.
“The request was for us to assess the issue of Fethab II, which is due at the end of the year, and to carry out this analysis. The Government showed sensitivity in reviewing what is necessary. We will conduct our studies and analyses and, obviously, this is a table that remains open, in permanent discussion with the productive sectors,” explains Gallo.
During the meeting, the superintendent of the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (IMEA-MT), Cleiton Gauer, presented an analysis of the weight of Fethab in relation to the income of the main activities and production chains in Mato Grosso.
“In 2020, we had a better moment, a more favorable situation. Today, the concern is with the participation of this tax within the profit of the activities, especially given the scenario that is unfolding for the 2027 harvest. We already have chains operating at a loss, and even so, the producer needs to contribute to the fund, even under these conditions. This scenario, which is already difficult, brings even greater concern for the next season,” emphasizes the superintendent of IMEA-MT.
As a next step, Aprosoja Mato Grosso invited the vice-governor to participate in the organization's next assembly, scheduled for the beginning of next month. The objective is to broaden the dialogue with the Government and bring it closer to the producer base, allowing the state Executive to clearly understand the reality of the field and move forward in building a consistent position regarding Fethab II.
