Management plans and types of pastures are discussed in a meeting with Pantanal producers

Photo: Ascom Senar-MT

The 3rd Meeting of Producers of the Sustainable Pantaneira Farm (FPS), held in Cuiabá (12/01), addressed topics relevant to the biome, such as: “Why, where, and how to introduce exotic pastures in the Pantanal” and “Management of native and exotic pastures.” These topics were presented by researcher Sandra Aparecida Santos, from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Pantanal), to rural producers assisted by the project’s technical and research team.

There is a wide variety of landscapes in the Pantanal biome, with high-quality forage composing the grasslands. Pantanal farms have different productivity potentials and require distinct management strategies.

Given this, the FPS project provides Pantanal producers with information and tools to support the definition of management strategies that promote the conservation of native pastures, combined with the introduction of exotic grasses, ensuring the sustainability of production systems in the Pantanal.

Sandra also showed Pantanal farmers that maintaining native pasture in good condition can bring more benefits than introducing exotic pastures—those that are not native to the biome.

“The first step is to identify how to value native pastures. Then, evaluate different conservation states of these pastures and compare them with introduced pastures in the same areas. This allows us to assess their value and observe that they have high value, low environmental impact, greater renewability, and higher nutritional value,” Sandra explained.

According to Sandra, the Pantanal ecosystem is highly complex. Due to seasonal flooding during the rainy season, not all grasses in the region (more than 200 species) produce satisfactory amounts of forage annually. This flooding regime also makes it difficult to introduce cultivated or exotic grasses.

“The great benefit of being part of this project was gaining a deeper understanding of native vegetation. We have a large amount of native vegetation of great importance, with high protein value. Realizing that this resource is available to us is extremely valuable. Embrapa, Famato, Senar, and Imea have been helping us adjust our management systems using native pasture, labor, and proper management practices, which is very beneficial for us Pantanal producers,” said rural producer and president of the Cáceres Rural Union, Ida Beatriz.

The topic “Pantanal Law and Regulation” was presented by Gabriela Priante, Superintendent of Climate Change and Biodiversity at the State Secretariat for the Environment (Sema).

Gabriela reviewed the past 14 years leading up to changes in the Pantanal law, highlighting the slow pace of regulatory processes. She concluded that, today, with the partnership between the state of Mato Grosso and Embrapa Pantanal through technical cooperation, technical reports are helping improve, adapt, and regulate existing policies. “Are the policies ready? Are they ideal? No. We’ve just seen the need for adjustments. However, we can only act within current legislation. Until it changes, we must strengthen partnerships with research institutions,” she said.

Certification – Famato livestock analyst Marcos de Carvalho spoke about the rural sector’s interest in achieving Geographical Indication (GI) status for beef that is environmentally sustainable, socially fair, and economically viable in the Mato Grosso Pantanal. Representatives from the Famato System visited Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, in November to learn about the Geographical Indication initiative for Pampa Gaúcho beef.

“Our goal is to help the Pantanal biome also achieve Geographical Indication status for beef that is environmentally sustainable, socially fair, and economically viable. In a joint effort with Mato Grosso do Sul and the Ministry of Agriculture, we aim to secure this recognition for Pantanal cattle producers,” highlighted Lucélia Avi, technical manager at Famato.

FPS – This is a pilot project created to support rural producers in the Pantanal biome of Mato Grosso in developing economically and sustainably in the region.

The project is coordinated by Famato, the National Rural Learning Service (Senar-MT), the Mato Grosso Breeders Association (Acrimat), and Embrapa Pantanal, with support from Imea and Rural Unions.

The event was attended by Embrapa Pantanal’s head, Suzana Sales; representing Acrimat, director Eloisa El Hage; the State Secretary for Economic Development (Sedec), Cesar Alberto Miranda; rural producers; presidents of rural unions including Ida Beatriz (Cáceres), Raul Santos (Poconé), and Antônio Carlos de Carvalho (Santo Antônio de Leverger); as well as technicians from the Famato System.

The recording of the event is available on Famato’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P5zpEQSjcQ