Rio Grande do Sul State Government Launches 100% Corn Program to Support Family Farming

Strategic Insights -

The Brazilian state government of Rio Grande do Sul, through the Secretariat of Rural Development (SDR), has concluded a series of signings for the 100% Corn Program, aligning the initiative with International Family Farming Day. The program aims to promote corn and sorghum cultivation in the state, providing seeds for grain and silage production to family farmers and ranchers, while reducing crop establishment costs and increasing the domestic supply of these inputs. The initiative provides a 100% subsidy for the seed price and is part of the Rio Grande Plan, a state program led by Governor Eduardo Leite to rebuild and strengthen the state's economy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 100% Corn Program aims to promote corn and sorghum cultivation in Rio Grande do Sul, with investments totaling approximately R$7 million.
  • The program provides seeds for grain and silage production to family farmers and ranchers, aiming to reduce crop establishment costs and increase the domestic supply of corn and sorghum inputs.
  • The initiative provides a 100% subsidy for the seed price and is part of the Rio Grande Plan, a state program led by Governor Eduardo Leite to rebuild and strengthen the state's economy.
  • The program replaces the previous model, known as Troca-Troca, in which farmers paid 28% of the seed price.
  • In the 2025/2026 harvest, 457 municipalities joined the program, 90 more than in the 2024/2025 harvest, representing an increase of approximately 25%.
  • The total number of public and private entities involved increased, from just over 460 to 691, between the two harvests.
  • Investment increased from R$54 million to R$93 million between the two harvests.
  • The program distributed 135,000 bags of seeds, with an estimated cultivation area of 135,000 hectares across all regions of the state.
  • SDR Secretary Vilson Covatti emphasized the program's goals of adding value to production chains, improving farmers' quality of life, and boosting the state's economic development.

Statistics:

  • Investments total approximately R$7 million in the 100% Corn Program.
  • The program provides a 100% subsidy for the seed price.
  • In the 2025/2026 harvest, 457 municipalities joined the program.
  • This represents an increase of approximately 25% from the 2024/2025 harvest, which saw 367 municipalities participate.
  • The total number of public and private entities involved increased from just over 460 to 691 between the two harvests.
  • Investment increased from R$54 million to R$93 million between the two harvests.
  • The program distributed 135,000 bags of seeds, with an estimated cultivation area of 135,000 hectares across all regions of the state.

Sources:

  • https://estado.rs.gov.br/governo-assina-contratos-do-programa-milho-100-no-dia-internacional-da-agricultura-familiar