Unicafes Brazil participates in the XLIV REAF Mercosur in Paraguay.

June 17, 2026

Unicafes Brasil participated in the XLIV Specialized Meeting on Family Farming of Mercosur (REAF) , held on June 9 and 10, 2026, at the National University of Asunción (UNA), in San Lorenzo, Paraguay. The meeting was part of the agenda of the Pro Tempore Presidency of Paraguay in Mercosur and brought together government representatives, family farming organizations, and international bodies to discuss public policies aimed at strengthening Peasant and Indigenous Family Farming (AFCI).

Recognized as one of the main spaces for political dialogue between governments and family farming organizations of Mercosur member and associate countries, REAF's mission is to promote the development of joint recommendations and the exchange of experiences that contribute to sustainable rural development and the transformation of the region's agri-food systems.

During the two-day program, strategic themes for strengthening family farming were discussed, such as access to financing, market integration, technical assistance and rural extension (ATER), strengthening family farming fairs, gender equality, participation of rural youth, and adaptation to climate change.

The official opening included the participation of authorities from the Pro Tempore Presidency of Paraguay in Mercosur and partner institutions. Highlights included the presentation of the Regional Program for Climate Change and Family Farming (PROCCAF), conducted by CAF, IICA, and REAF, as well as a conference on perspectives for agriculture and rural development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Unicafes Brasil participated in the panel on Government Procurement , highlighting the relevance of programs such as the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) for strengthening family farming cooperatives. The institution also presented Brazilian experiences related to the participation of cooperatives in institutional markets and the challenges to expanding these organizations' access to public marketing policies.

Another highlight of the program were the regional workshops on Rural Youth and Rural Women , which promoted the exchange of experiences and debate on gender equality, social participation, and the development of public policies aimed at the inclusion and empowerment of these groups in Mercosur countries.

On the second day, participants took part in an exchange visit to the Family Farming, Peasant and Indigenous Agriculture Fair (AFCI) in Asunción, where they were able to learn about productive initiatives led by family farmers, with rural women playing a prominent role.

The program also included the Regional Seminar on Financing for Family Farming, promoted by FAO and REAF, as well as debates on innovation and strengthening of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) services in the expanded Mercosur.

A special moment was the celebration of the International Year of Women in Agriculture 2026 , reaffirming the regional commitment to valuing the role of women in rural development, food production, and the construction of more sustainable and inclusive territories.

The 44th REAF concluded with a Plenary Session dedicated to consolidating agreements, recommendations, and next steps that will contribute to improving public policies aimed at family farming in Mercosur countries.

For Unicafes Brasil, participation in REAF reinforces the importance of regional integration, cooperation between countries, and the collective construction of solutions that strengthen cooperativism, expand opportunities for family farmers, and contribute to food security and sustainable development in South America.

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