A certification seal is helping producers of lemon from Sao Paulo to win more with the harvest. Those who has joined the system have more possibilities to conquer new markets.

The Zangali family planted lemon for 25 years. But now, there is a difference: the fruits have a seal that certifies the sale outside the country, mainly to Europe

The producer assumes some compromises. Not only in the quality of the fruit. He must keep track of everything he does, from the time of planting until harvest time.

The certificate says that in the property good agricultural practices are carried out, respecting the environment and workers welfare. Therefore agrochemicals use information, fertilisers and security are important in the field. Weed manage is controlled.The use of grid is not allowed. Cut only with brush cutters.

Workers who participate in the harvest receive training. They have health screenings and improved harvesting techniques.

"We learned not to leave the lemon under the sun, not dropping on the floor and not spoil the foot of the lemon," said Maria Estela a rural worker.

The field of the Zangali family are 15 hectares with lemon taiti. During the harvest production they reach ten thousand boxes. The certification brought advantages as an increase in the price paid by the industry.

"Today people have a bonus of R $ 1.00 per box for being certified. That means an 8% to 10% of the final sale of the box ", estimated the farmer Edenilson Zangali.

The lemon box harvested is sold by the producer for R $ 8.00. With the certificate the same goes for R $ 9.00. In the past, not all fruits were sold, that's not happening now.

A citrus also prepared to receive the export type of fruit. What was once a simple warehouse, now has a structure ready to meet the demands of importers. Workers were trained. At the field, lemons are packed only after a rigorous selection. Only through one of the units four thousand boxes of lemon passes per day during the harvest. Thirty-five percent of the fruit is exported. The volume grows with the increase in certifications.

"Today our industry values more certified lemon than not certified lemon. If we have to choose between placing a producer in the industry with certificated lemon and one non-certificated, the certificated would not stay outside the industry, "said Rodrigo Prandi, manager of industry.

Eighty-seven farmers paulistas are certified by the project being undertaken by Sebrae and the association of Brazilian producers and Lemon exporters. Last year, Brazil sold abroad to 60 thousand tons of lemon, five percent of national production.