Summary of Minifábricas de castanha de caju: qualidade na produção e renda no campo

00:00:00 - 00:40:00

The video discusses the implementation of mini cashew nut processing factories to improve quality and increase income opportunities for small and medium-sized producers in Brazil. Through successful case studies, the importance of organization, technology access, and quality control in farming and agribusiness is highlighted. The video emphasizes certification processes, market access through fair trade initiatives, and the versatility of cashew trees in producing not only nuts but also other products, contributing to year-round income for farmers. Additionally, the economic opportunities and sustainability practices within the cashew industry, including partnership with hotels and production of derived products like cashew juice and sweets, are showcased. The video also mentions innovations in agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity, pest management, and climate adaptability in the region.

• 00:00:00 In this section, the video introduces mini cashew nut processing factories, highlighting their role in improving the quality of almond processing and enabling small and medium-sized producers to enter the market. The segment showcases a successful case study of farmers from the central cooperative of cashew nuts in Piauí, emphasizing the importance of organization and access to technology in both farming and agribusiness. The implementation of technology and social organization among farmers was a collaborative effort of various institutions, allowing small producers to access markets previously dominated by larger industries. Quality standards throughout the production process have opened up opportunities for farmers to enter the international market through fair trade, with initiatives focusing on environmental and social awareness contributing to the certification process.
• 00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses how their certification and annual audits have been crucial in ensuring quality control in their cashew nut production. Despite facing challenges like crop failures, the cooperative has managed to sell 80-90% of their production at fair prices through fair trade. Additionally, they provide advance payments to their members due to difficulties in accessing resources, supporting not only cashew processing but also the production of other products like pulp and Cajuína to keep their units operational year-round. The cooperative's flexibility in also processing fruits like acerola and guava, alongside cashews, helps generate income for farmers throughout the year.
• 00:10:00 In this section, the excerpt explains the distinction between the cashew nut and its almond inside, which is the edible part consumed. It cautions against eating the raw cashew nut due to its caustic nature and highlights the classification process based on size, with variations from small to large impacting almond size as well. The video also mentions the benefits of using cloned cashew tree varieties for processing, leading to cost savings and higher almond yield. Additionally, it showcases a partnership between a hotel and a cashew cooperative in producing high-quality almonds for international clientele, illustrating the economic opportunities and sustainable practices within the cashew industry.
• 00:15:00 In this section, Joaquim discusses his experience living in São Paulo and how he eventually returned to the countryside for a better quality of life and connection to his roots. Despite initially working as a mason to support his family with a good income, Joaquim felt the longing for his rural lifestyle and farming, which led him back to the countryside where he found joy in playing his guitar and singing traditional songs. The money earned from selling cashew nuts helped improve his living conditions and allowed him to reunite his family in the countryside. Additionally, the discussion shifts to the importance of cloned cashew plants like BRS 26 in the Central-Southern region of Piauí, known for their higher productivity and quality of cashew nuts, which are classified based on various factors like size and appearance, influencing their market value. Furthermore, broken cashews still hold value in the agricultural industry, as even the shells are sold for other purposes.
• 00:20:00 In this section, it is highlighted that there is a growing market for products derived from cashew nuts, such as ice cream toppings and chocolates. The Embrapa has developed mini cashew nut processing plants that can be easily set up by small-scale rural producers with a sufficient volume of cashew nuts. These mini factories can process around 450 kg of cashew nuts per day, with a yearly volume of 200 tons considered economically viable. Additionally, the importance of cashew nut shells is emphasized, as they represent 78% of the by-product volume. The shells can be processed to obtain products like cardol and cenol, which have a strong international market and potential for additional revenue for producers.
• 00:25:00 In this section, the process of cashew nut production is detailed, with the nuts being classified, separated, and subjected to 10 hours in an oven after harvesting. The next step involves removing the protective film from the nuts, which are then sorted by quality and size before being sent to the cooperative headquarters for packaging and sale. The president of the cooperative emphasizes the importance of these mini factories for the local economy, as they provide modernization opportunities such as introducing cutting machines. Additionally, the significance of cooking the cashews in steam to facilitate nut removal and improve quality is explained, along with the methods used to remove the covering film. The distinction between processing and beneficiation is also clarified, with processing involving additional technological steps beyond simply extracting the nut from the shell.
• 00:30:00 In this section, Vicente Cortez, a caju producer from Piauí, shares the importance of mini factories in the region, highlighting how they motivate, gather, and challenge producers to improve both quantity and quality of their products. These factories not only offer better care for fruit trees but also provide training in cooperativism, encouraging producers to add value to their products and access better markets. Additionally, he discusses how their cooperative is expanding to process a variety of tropical fruits beyond just cashew apples, turning what was once discarded material into an additional source of income for farmers. Vicente also reflects on the lessons that the cashew tree, known as the "philosopher of cashew," can teach us, emphasizing its adaptability, resilience, and importance in the region's agriculture.
• 00:35:00 In this section, the importance of following good manufacturing practices in mini cashew nut factories is highlighted, particularly regarding cleanliness, sanitation, and packaging. Ensuring that the product is free from any microbiological issues and imperfections is crucial for both domestic and international markets. The packaging process, whether for local or export markets, plays a vital role in maintaining the quality and shelf life of the cashew nuts. Additionally, the utilization of cashew apple pulp, representing a significant percentage of the cashew fruit, is discussed as a valuable resource for producing various products such as cashew juice, sweets, and dehydrated goods, showcasing Brazil as a leading producer of cashew juice globally.
• 00:40:00 In this section, various agricultural innovations are highlighted, such as a book detailing the production stages and sanitary practices for quality cashew nut processing, genomic selection for tick-resistant cattle, the discovery of the pheromone of the cupuassu fruit borer, and a partnership between Brazil and South Korea for developing protected horticulture. These advancements aim to improve agricultural practices, pest management, and adaptability to climate change. Viewers are encouraged to visit the Embrapa bookstore and news agency for more information on these research developments.