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Meet The History Of Agrícola Famosa, The Company That Became The Largest Producer And Exporter Of Melon In The World, With A High-Tech Operation On The Border Of Rio Grande Do Norte And Ceará.
In the northeastern semi-arid region, at the strategic border between the states of Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, lies the largest melon farm in Brazil. Agrícola Famosa is not just a giant in the national agribusiness; it is the largest producer and exporter of melons and watermelons in the world, a powerhouse that was born from a bet in the hinterland and now dominates the European market.
With a harvest that peaks at 1 million fruits per day and a cultivated area exceeding 11,000 hectares, the company is an example of how technology and strategic vision can transform a region with adverse climate into a world-class production hub.
What Is Agrícola Famosa? The History Of The Company That Dominates The Market
The history of Agrícola Famosa began in an unusual way. In the early 1990s, businessman Carlo Porro and lawyer Luiz Roberto Barcelos received land as payment for a debt from a local producer. In 1995, they decided to invest together in that land, founding the company that, from just 3 hectares, would become an empire.
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Headquartered between the municipalities of Mossoró (RN) and Icapuí (CE), the company has grown exponentially. Today, Agrícola Famosa manages a total area of over 30,000 hectares in four states of the Northeast, being the absolute leader in its sector.
A Global Scale Production: The Numbers That Impress
The scale of Agrícola Famosa’s operation is monumental. Before its international expansion, the company was already producing about 270,000 to 300,000 tons of fruit per year. After acquiring the Spanish company El Abuelo in 2024, the company’s combined annual production is projected to reach between 350,000 and 380,000 tons.
The harvesting pace is impressive. During peak harvest season, the company reaches around 1 million fruits per day, a figure that illustrates the intensity and efficiency of its operations.
The Technology That Conquers Drought: Drip Irrigation
The success of the largest melon farm in Brazil in the semi-arid region is only possible thanks to cutting-edge technology. The company utilizes a modern drip irrigation system throughout its cultivated area, developed in partnership with the Israeli company Netafim, a global leader in the sector.
This technology applies water and nutrients slowly and directly at the root of the plants, avoiding waste and ensuring that each fruit receives exactly what it needs to meet the quality standards required by the international market.
The Conquest Of Europe: The Export Strategy And The Acquisition Of El Abuelo In 2024
Agrícola Famosa’s main market is Europe. For the 2022/2023 harvest, the company projected to export about 220,000 tons of fruit, primarily to the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. To ensure logistics, the company charters its own refrigerated ships.
In 2024, the company took its boldest step. By acquiring the Spanish company Melones El Abuelo, Agrícola Famosa transitioned from being a seasonal supplier to becoming a global supplier capable of delivering fruit to European supermarkets year-round, combining the Brazilian harvest with production in Spain and Senegal.
The Impact Of The Largest Melon Farm In Brazil On The Region
The growth of Agrícola Famosa has a profound impact on the economy of the Northeast. The company is the largest employer in the region of Mossoró and Icapuí, generating between 8,000 and 10,000 jobs during the harvest season.
The operation follows strict international quality and sustainability standards, with multiple certifications that ensure its access to the most demanding markets. The company also develops social responsibility projects, such as donating water and food to local communities, solidifying its role as a development engine for the region.
Os produtores de melão não terão mais lucros com a expansão dessa empresa principalmente os pequenos produtores da região do nordeste
Eu trabalhei neste empresa, por 4 anos,os.propietarios são pessoas fantásticas,parabens
Essa empresa não é a antiga MAISA – Mossoró Agro Industrial S/A?