Zema says he has determined ‘zero tolerance’ for land invasions

Governor Romeu Zema (Novo) said, in a speech this Saturday (27/4) that he had determined “zero tolerance” in relation to possible land invasions in Minas Gerais. The statement was made at the opening of the 89th ExpoZebu, at Parque Fernando Costa, in Uberaba, in the Triângulo Mineiro, which was attended by Lula’s ministers and the governor of Ceará, who is from the PT.

“Minas is a reference in security. Faemg (Federation of Agriculture and Livestock of the State of Minas Gerais) has the mission of informing our Military Police immediately about any land invasion. The determination is zero tolerance. We don’t want anyone disturbing the lives of rural producers”, said Zema at the event, which was attended by the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (PP), and Lula’s ministers Carlos Fávaro (Agriculture, Livestock and Supply) and Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy), in addition to the governors of Ceará, Elmano de Freitas (PT), and of Goiás, Ronaldo Caiado (União Brasil).

The governor of Minas also said that his administration provided progress in rural land regularization. “I know that the majority here (present at the opening of ExpoZebu 2024) are large producers, but we have given dignity to those micro and small producers who never managed to regularize their property and never had access to rural credit. Every year we have broken records in this process, which strengthens and gives more opportunities to the man on the field”, he added.

ExpoZebu, promoted by the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders (ABCZ), is considered the largest zebu fair in the world. The expectation is that 400,000 people will attend this year’s event, which runs until May 6th. There will be 35 international delegations, with 700 foreigners.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), who was in Minas on Friday (26/4), did not participate in the event. Lula is in São Paulo, according to the Presidency’s press office. Before arriving in the state, the two managers made a public noise. According to Palácio Tiradentes, Zema was not invited to participate in Lula’s agenda. The fact was denied by Palácio do Planalto. In Uberaba, the miner did not mention the latest events.

The Minister of Agriculture, Carlos Fávaro, highlighted the country’s growth and the advances led by President Lula and criticized former President Jair Bolsonaro, Zema’s political ally. “We went through difficult times – during the Jair Bolsonaro (PL) government -, retreating in biofuels. Biofuel, which is the great price solution for our agricultural products, had been regrettably left aside. Now, we have resumed the growth of the mixture of biodiesel, which could already be in B15, left B10 and we have had great success in this sector, which has unity as its main function, regardless of ideological, partisan bias and whoever is governing”, he stated.

ExpoZebu 2024

This year’s edition of the fair features 2,520 animals that will participate in the judging between April 28th and May 4th. The program also includes the 2nd World Congress of Zebu Breeders (COMCEBU), the 44th Dairy Tournament, 38 auctions, 8 animal shopping malls, educational lectures, practical workshops, live demonstrations aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity within the farm.

In addition, there are attractions for all audiences, such as the traditional Minas Gastronomy and Food Fair, the 39th Zebu Museum Exhibition and shows. The main attractions will be Simone Mendes, Bruno & Marrone, Hugo & Guilherme, Maiara & Maraísa, César Menotti & Fabiano, Matheus & Kauan, Clayton & Romário, João Bosco & Vinícius, Murilo Huff and the pagoda band Menos é Mais.

Parque Fernando Costa will be open for visitors during market days from 7:30 am to 10 pm. Especially this Saturday, visitors will be able to enjoy free popcorn and cotton candy in the mornings.