"I am a partner of agricultural production," says Dilma.
At the opening of the Grape Festival in Caxias do Sul, President Dilma Rousseff reaffirmed the government's commitment to rural producers and praised Caxias do Sul and the Serra Gaúcha region as a benchmark in the production of wines and juices, which, according to her, are gaining quality and recognition both nationally and internationally.
blog do plateau - At the opening of the Grape Festival, in Caxias do Sul, this Thursday (20), President Dilma Rousseff stated that she is a partner of the agricultural production in the region. Dilma reaffirmed the government's commitment to Brazilian grape and wine producers and praised Caxias do Sul and Serra Gaúcha as a reference in the production of wines and juices, which, according to her, has been gaining quality and recognition inside and outside the country.
Dilma also highlighted the publication in today's Official Gazette of the new minimum price of R$ 0,63 per kilogram of grapes, which will be in effect for the 2014/2015 harvest and which, as agreed with the sector, is 10% higher than the price currently in force.
"I want to repeat what I said in 2012, when I was here at this same event: you have a president who is a partner in the agricultural production of this region (...) This has been our practice: to improve, with each harvest, the instruments that support Brazilian agricultural production and its marketing. Our task, which we will carry out diligently, is to offer the dedicated and competent farmers of our country the support they need to continue breaking production records, and guaranteeing the supply and food security of our population."
Below is a news report from Agência Brasil:
President Dilma opens the Grape Festival in Caxias do Sul.
Paulo Victor Chagas - Reporter for Agência Brasil
While participating in the National Grape Festival in Caxias do Sul, President Dilma Rousseff announced the signing of a decree regulating the Wine Law. According to the president, the measure "updates the legislation, adapting it to Mercosur standards". The regulation of the law will be published in the Official Gazette of the Union this Friday (21).
Furthermore, the president reminded everyone that the updated minimum price for grapes, set at R$ 0,63 per kilo, was published today. "According to the sector, this price is 10% higher than the previous one." She stated that public policy instruments regarding juice and wine stocks will be implemented sooner. "You have a president who is a partner to the agricultural and industrial production of the region," she said.
The Grape Festival was created to celebrate grape production and the presence of Italian immigrants in Caxias do Sul, a city that in the 1930s was responsible for 30% of the production in Rio Grande do Sul. This is the 30th edition of the festival, held every two years, and its theme is "The Joy of Diversity."
"The title sparked my interest," said the president. "Indeed, Brazil is proud to possess ethnic and cultural diversity; it enriches us and makes us a joyful people, constituting a nation rich in multiplicity and diversity, rich in respect for habits, customs, and traditions," she stated.
At each edition of the event, the Queen of the Grape Festival is chosen, a tradition that began in 1933, as well as princesses and ambassadors. This year's festival, which began today, runs until March 9th, featuring grape tastings, musical performances, parades, and sporting competitions.
In her second appearance at the event as head of state, Dilma welcomed the presence of the Brazilian national football team coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari. "He has our support, above all our hearts and our cheers," said the president, adding that the World Cup will be a moment to affirm two positions: "a cup of peace, and a cup that truly celebrates the joy of diversity."