Alckmin in Agriculture could improve relations with agribusiness

The departure of Carlos Fávaro from the Ministry of Agriculture to resume his seat in the Senate has reignited discussions about who will command the portfolio and, especially, how the Lula government intends to relate to agribusiness. Among the names considered, that of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin gained strength behind the scenes, pointed out as an interlocutor capable of reducing frictions between the Plateau and the productive sector.

The possibility, not yet officially confirmed, is mentioned by sources close to the government because of the good relationship that Alckmin maintained with the agribusiness when he was governor of São Paulo. The vacancy, however, belongs to the PSD, party of Gilberto Kassab, which adds a layer of complexity to the eventual appointment.

Lula's history with agricultural ministers

Despite the frictions, Lula chose, throughout his governments, names close to agribusiness to command agriculture. This was the case of Roberto Rodrigues, its prime minister in the area, Reinhold Stephanes and, more recently, Carlos Fávaro. This tradition of indicating cadres with traffic in the sector is seen as an attempt to build bridges, even amidst ideological divergences.

The choice of Fávaro, for example, was interpreted as a nod to agribusiness, since the senator from Mato Grosso has a moderate profile and a connection with rural production. Now, with its return to the Senate, the government needs to find a replacement that keeps this channel of dialogue open.

Wear has political and historical roots

The attrition between the government and the sector has political and historical components. The Frente Parlamentar of Agropecuária brings together parliamentarians of more conservative profile, who offer greater resistance to a leftist government. At the same time, the historical link of the PT with the Landless Rural Workers Movement (MST) is another factor of tension with the sector.

This combination keeps the relationship on the rope: the government makes gestures of approximation, but also criticism, while the farm responds in a similar way. In this year’s election, a significant portion of the sector supported Lula’s opponent, Flávio Bolsonaro (PL), which highlights the political distance between the parties.

Alckmin as a bridge to dialogue

It is in this history of choosing interlocutors with traffic in the sector that the bet on Alckmin arises. His name is mentioned as a possibility for the folder, still undefined as to who will be in Fávaro's place. Alckmin’s experience at the head of the government of São Paulo, a state with a strong presence of agribusiness, is pointed out as a differential to deal with the demands of the sector.

During his tenure as governor, Alckmin maintained open channels with entities such as the Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of São Paulo (Faesp) and with cooperatives, which earned him respect among rural producers. This closeness, if confirmed in the ministry, could facilitate the interlocution with leaders of the agribusiness, today mostly aligned with the opposition.

Party obstacles and indefiniteness

Despite the enthusiasm of some sectors, Alckmin’s nomination faces obstacles. The Agriculture folder is traditionally controlled by the PSD, the party that indicated Carlos Fávaro and which should maintain prerogative over the position. Gilberto Kassab, president of the legend, has not yet publicly pronounced on the succession, and the source has not detailed whether there are ongoing negotiations.

In addition, Alckmin’s move to agriculture would move him away from other strategic functions in government, such as coordinating industrial development programs. The vice president is also one of the main political articulators of the Plateau, which makes his relocation a delicate decision.

What to expect from the government-agricultural relationship

Regardless of the name chosen, the new minister will have the challenge of rebuilding trust with agribusiness, a sector that accounts for about a quarter of Brazilian GDP. The agenda includes sensitive topics such as land regularization, crédito rural, logistics infrastructure and international trade agreements.

For the reader of Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais, a region with strong agricultural production and cooperativism, the minister’s definition has a direct impact on producer support policies, access to financing and rural insurance programs. The government is expected to announce Fávaro’s replacement in the coming weeks, but the source has not detailed deadlines.

Meanwhile, the sector is closely monitoring the movements of the Plateau, aware that the choice of the new minister will be a thermometer of the willingness of the government to dialogue with the countryside.

Read Also

Senate approves fiscal adjustment of Lula by 45 to 31

STF: 10 ministers quoted on Vorcaro's cell phone

Lula defines future Minister of Finance; see quotes

Font

g1.globo.com