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If Acre were a person, it would be that quiet friend who suddenly loose: “Oh, I forgot to tell … I have 16.4 million hectares of land, being 85% native forest untouched.” Yeah, the state is not only one of the most preserved in Brazil and perhaps in the world, but it may well compete for the title of “world lung with Wi-Fi”. But calm down, Acre’s potential goes far beyond the trees.
Photo: Tomaz Silva/Agência Brasil
Now, let’s talk about numbers that make any farmer widen their eyes. In open areas, we have 2.4 million hectares – pastures, fields and the like. And do you know what is planted today? Only 100 thousand hectares. The result of this is a gross value of agricultural production of 1 billion reais. Now, hold the hat: if Acre decides to optimize its livestock (which is still extractive) and invest in 400,000 hectares of new crops, such as soy, corn, sugarcane, among others, the state can jump to impressive 10 billion reais. Yes, 10 billion! This is enough money to turn Acre into the protagonist and even make the Texans jealous. And that, without overthrowing anything. Widely sustainable.
But, as the old saying would say, “don’t make omelet without breaking eggs.” To achieve this future of Texan novel, it takes unity, long -term vision and – for the love of the rubber tapper! – Bet on serious cooperativism. No falling into the cliché… on the rise and empty promises. The idea here is to really plant and reap results.
The earth is ready, the money is practically shouting “Come pick me up!”, And the future is knocking on the door with a wide smile. So, rural producers from Acre, it’s time to put the boots, get the hat and turn this potential into reality. Because, let’s be honest, Acre is amazing – now just missing a billionaire.
* Thiago de Almeida is an economist, postgraduate in Agribusiness and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
