Main challenges of strawberry production in Brazlândia, Federal District

Abstract

According to the 2017 Agricultural Census, the Federal District accounts for 3% of total strawberry production in Brazil, a culture highly concentrated in the region of Brazlândia. Despite its regional relevance, the sector has recently experienced a decline in production, a reduced share in Ceasa-DF sales, and high management costs. This study aimed to identify the primary challenges facing local strawberry farming. The findings reveal key bottlenecks, including low adoption of protected cultivation, reliance on low-quality runners, a lack of cultivars adapted to local conditions, uniform management practices across different cultivars, inefficient use of inputs (water, fertilizers, and pesticides), labor shortages, and poor cost management. To reverse this trend, we emphasize the need for investments in research focused on protected cultivation technology, nursery production, and breeding programs tailored to the Federal District. Furthermore, promoting protected cultivation, expanding Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and improving farm cost accounting are crucial strategies for the sector’s recovery.