Connecting Farms, Cooperatives, and Innovation
The Idaho–Santa Catarina AgroConnect Program creates a structured opportunity for farmers, agribusiness leaders, and cooperatives from Idaho to spend one month in Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Participants will engage directly with agricultural cooperatives, farms, processors, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, explore technologies, and identify potential trade opportunities between both regions.
This initiative strengthens collaboration between two highly productive agricultural regions known for efficiency, innovation, and strong cooperative systems.
Why Idaho & Santa Catarina?
Idaho, USA
High-Tech Agriculture at Scale
Idaho is a global leader in efficient, technology-driven agricultural production, combining scale, innovation, and water-smart systems.
✅ Dairy Production: Produces over 16–17 billion pounds of milk annually, ranking among the top 3 dairy states in the United States
✅ Potatoes & Specialty Crops: Accounts for approximately one-third of total U.S. potato production, with 13–15 billion pounds annually
✅ Efficient Water Use: More than 70% of farmland uses advanced irrigation systems, including center-pivot and precision drip technologies
✅ Ag-Tech & Mechanization: Strong adoption of precision agriculture, automation, and biotech, with continuous investment in farm modernization and productivity tools
Santa Catarina, Brazil
A Model of Cooperative-Driven Agribusiness
Santa Catarina stands out as one of Brazil’s most advanced and diversified agricultural regions, powered by small and medium farms integrated into world-class cooperatives.
✅ Cooperative Strength: Approximately 60–65% of agricultural output flows through cooperatives, creating one of the most efficient agro-industrial systems in Latin America
✅ Poultry & Pork Leadership:
~25–30% of Brazil’s pork exports
~25% of Brazil’s poultry exports
✅ Dairy Production: Exceeds 3 billion liters annually, with high productivity per hectare
✅ Small Farm Efficiency: Average farm size of 10–30 hectares, yet among the highest productivity rates in Brazil
✅ Agro-Industrial Integration: Strong export-oriented food processing industry with global supply chains across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
🚜 Program Structure (30 Days in Brazil)
Cooperative Visits
Cooperative Visits
Cooperative Visits
Participants will visit leading agricultural cooperatives in Santa Catarina, gaining insight into highly integrated dairy, grain, meat, and specialty crop operations. The program includes tours of processing plants and distribution facilities, showcasing how cooperatives drive efficiency, value addition, innovation, and regional development across Brazil’s most advanced agribusiness ecosystems sector-wide growth.
Farm Immersion
Cooperative Visits
Cooperative Visits
Participants experience hands-on immersion in family-owned and commercial farms across Santa Catarina, exploring diverse crop production systems and livestock operations. The visits highlight sustainable practices, soil management, and high-efficiency technologies. This module connects theory with real-world application, demonstrating how Brazilian farmers balance productivity, innovation, environmental stewardship, and long-term resilience growth.
Business & Trade Sessions
Business & Trade Sessions
Business & Trade Sessions
Participants engage in strategic business and trade sessions with leading agribusiness executives, focusing on market access, export and import opportunities, and international cooperation. The program fosters networking with Brazilian agricultural associations and industry stakeholders, creating pathways for partnerships, investment opportunities, and long-term commercial relationships between Idaho and Santa Catarina regions.
Technical Workshops
Business & Trade Sessions
Business & Trade Sessions
Participants attend technical workshops focused on precision agriculture techniques, cooperative governance models, agri-innovation, and technology adoption. Sessions provide practical training, case studies, and expert insights designed to improve productivity, decision-making, and digital transformation in agriculture. The workshops emphasize knowledge exchange, capacity building, and implementation of modern farming solutions across cooperatives.
Institutional Visits to Local CoopS
AURIVERDE
COOPERJURITI
AURIVERDE
Founded in 1968 in Cunha Porã, Santa Catarina, the cooperative unites nearly 6,000 members and operates over 40 units. It is active in agribusiness and retail, focusing on animal protein, grain production, and direct consumer services through supermarkets and agricultural supply stores.
COOPER A1
COOPERJURITI
AURIVERDE
Cooper A1 is the oldest active agricultural cooperative in the state of Santa Catarina, founded on October 1, 1933. Headquartered in Palmitos, it focuses on the sustainable development of its nearly 9,500 members, providing technical and commercial support to small rural producers.
COOPERJURITI
COOPERJURITI
Cooperativa Juriti (Cooperjuriti) is a major agro-industrial cooperative based in Massaranduba, Santa Catarina, with nearly 60 years of history. Founded in 1968, it is a national reference in rice processing, which remains its main economic activity and core production focus.
COOPERSULCA
Coopersulca (Cooperativa Regional Agropecuária Sul Catarinense) is a major agribusiness cooperative headquartered in Turvo, Santa Catarina. Founded in 1964, it focuses on the processing and commercialization of rice and other grains, playing a key role in the region’s agricultural production and supply chain.
FECOAGRO
Fecoagro (Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives of Santa Catarina) is a prominent organization founded in 1975. It strengthens the agribusiness sector by providing business coordination, technical support, and institutional representation, serving as a central hub for its member cooperatives and over 70,000 producers.
SANJO
Sanjo (Agricultural Cooperative of São Joaquim) is a major cooperative based in São Joaquim, Santa Catarina, and one of Brazil’s largest apple producers. Founded in 1993 by 34 fruit growers, many of Japanese descent, it now produces over 50,000 tons of apples annually.
Facilitate by
Aurora Coop (Aurora Alimentos) is one of Brazil’s largest food industry cooperatives, headquartered in Chapecó, Santa Catarina. Structured as a central cooperative, it unites 17 affiliated cooperatives and represents tens of thousands of farming families. With an annual revenue of approximately US$4 billion, Aurora plays a major role in Brazilian agribusiness, specializing in high-quality protein production, including pork, poultry, and dairy. The cooperative is recognized for its large-scale operations, strong efficiency, and commitment to sustainable, cooperative-driven growth and long-term value creation across the food supply chain.
SUPPORTED BY
The Organização das Cooperativas do Estado de Santa Catarina (OCESC) is the leading representative body for cooperatives in Santa Catarina, Brazil, uniting a robust network of more than 256 cooperatives and over 4 million members. With an estimated annual revenue of approximately US$20 billion across its cooperative system, OCESC plays a strategic role in advancing sustainable growth, strengthening governance, and promoting innovation across the sector. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, OCESC enhances competitiveness and drives significant economic impact, positioning Santa Catarina as a global reference in cooperative development and excellence.
Benefits, Opportunities and Outcomes
Benefits for Participants
Participants gain direct exposure to advanced international agricultural systems, with access to modern production techniques, technologies, and innovation practices. The program creates opportunities to develop export and import partnerships, strengthen global business networks, and understand cooperative-driven economic models. It also supports long-term strategic positioning in competitive international agricultural markets.
Partnership Opportunities
This program is designed for a wide range of stakeholders, including farms and agricultural producers, cooperatives and cooperative associations, agribusiness companies, agricultural technology providers, and trade and export organizations. It creates a collaborative platform for innovation, investment, and knowledge exchange, enabling participants to build meaningful cross-border partnerships and expand international market reach.
Expected Outcomes
Expected Outcomes
The program is expected to drive bilateral trade development between Idaho and Brazil, fostering stronger commercial ties. It will support new pilot projects and joint ventures, encourage knowledge transfer in sustainable agriculture practices, and establish long-term institutional partnerships between cooperatives, strengthening innovation, productivity, and global competitiveness across both agricultural ecosystems.
CONTACT US
We are committed to maintaining open communication with our clients. If you have any questions about our services or would like to know whether we meet your specific needs, do not hesitate to send us a message or call us. We are always happy to connect with new clients!
Apex Coop Academy
408 South 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, USA
