The 30 years devoted to the production of forest seedlings for different purpos-
es are reason enough for a close look on the trajectory of the Tree Nursery, now
known as Agroforestry, run by the Tobacco Growers’ Association of Brazil (Afubra).
Currently, the nursery occupies 3.9 hectares in the Agriculture and Livestock Cen-
ter, previously known as Research Center for the Development of Family Farming
Diversification, at Afubra’s Exhibition Park, in Rincão Del Rey, municipality of Rio
Pardo (RS). In this area devoted to the nursery, there are agricultural greenhous-
es, depots, offices, circulating paths, growing stages and rustification of seedlings.
Twelve collaborators work in this site, fulfilling different functions, from coordi-
nation to administration and production. Per year, 1.5 million exotic tree seedlings
are produced (eucalyptus and pinus, among others). As for the production of native
forest seedlings, including several species, the number remains at some 300 thou-
sand units. The seedlings are commercialized. “Nonetheless, in some specific situ-
ations related to the environmental education project, like the Life is Green Project,
are born
Afubra’s forest tree nursery completes 30 years in2017,
withanannual production estimated at 1.8million
exotic tree seedlings and other species
Where forests
runby theassociation, donations occur”, explains
Juarez Pedroso,manager of theAgroforestryPro-
ductionDepartment at Afubra.
According to Pedroso, who is a forest engi-
neer, the bulk of the production and of the sales
are concentrated in Rio Grande do Sul, and in
smaller amount in the states of Santa Catari-
na and Paraná. “However, we have been trying
to sell our seedlings in other states throughout
the Country. Particularly, where our association
has subsidiaries that equally play a relevant role
when it comes to spreading technology regard-
ing the geneticmaterialswedevelop inour nurs-
ery”, he adds.
Pedroso maintains that, in light of the re-
sponsibility in propagating seedlings, seeds of
excellent genetics have always been used, pro-
duced by highly responsible companies. He
adds that as time went by, techniques, inputs
and species have evolved greatly, requiring con-
stant updating efforts to continue in the market
and meet constant demands. Recently, Afubra
took a relevant step forward towards vegeta-
tive plant propagation. “With new investments,
it was possible to make strides and qualify our
production as far as technological aspects and
product purpose go”, he comments.
Divulgação
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