Project supports the formalization of small-scale agribusinesses to increase competitiveness and access new markets

Cheese producer Tobias Monteiro, from the municipality of Jaguaré, Espírito Santo, wants to sell more, and to the entire country. That's why he and other representatives of small agribusinesses are participating in the "Simple asSIM! – From small to Brazil" project.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) with support from Sebrae, aims to accelerate the formalization of these establishments and strengthen the Municipal Inspection Services (SIM). The program aims to expand the sector's membership in the Brazilian Inspection System for Products of Animal Origin (SISBI-POA) , ensuring greater competitiveness and access to new markets.

According to Tobias, conquering new markets is also a way to perpetuate the tradition of cheese produced in the region. "We started very small, a true family production, using our grandmother's recipe. And from there, we evolved to sell in our region. We took the plunge and it's yielding great results, with everyone appreciating our cheese," he says.

Regularization with support

The regularization of agribusinesses is an essential tool for promoting productive inclusion, food security, and local economic development. But the formalization of these establishments and the performance of SIM still face structural, technical and educational challenges . It is to overcome these challenges that SIMples AsSIM was developed.

"SImples AsSIM increases product competitiveness and also enables these rural entrepreneurs to participate in other public policies, such as the National School Feeding Program (PNAE), through public procurement. This results in more income for businesses and a better quality of life for families," notes Sebrae technical analyst Warley Henrique.

The initiative includes three areas of action, ranging from an on-site diagnosis of establishments and the development of a personalized action plan, to the training of SIM teams, as well as technical support for entrepreneurs in the physical and sanitary adaptation of establishments.

Simplified formalization

Sebrae views the regularization of small-scale agribusinesses as a strategic tool for promoting productive inclusion, food security, and local economic development. Despite progress, formalizing these businesses and strengthening Municipal Inspection Services (SIM) still face challenges.

We're recognizing 33 consortia, linked to 593 municipalities. We've seen that the progress for each establishment is slower because they're small, and sometimes adaptations require investment.

Judy Nóbrega, director of the Mapa Support and Standards department.

At the moment, There are approximately 4,073 registered establishments in the country, but only 1,169 are integrated into SISBI-POA, in addition to 42,081 registered products, of which only 16,346 are integrated .

"This is where Sebrae's expertise comes in, guiding entrepreneurs on how to structure themselves and organize their production. Mapa produces the technical materials on what to do from a health perspective, because from a business perspective, Sebrae has everything ready," he adds.