Safra Plan supports canola cultivation and expands production alternatives

The yellow that takes over crops during canola flowering has been gaining more and more space in the field and also in the strategy of rural producers. In Crissiumal, in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, the crop has been an alternative to diversify production during the winter and make better use of agricultural areas. Cooperative members Janiel Frasson Helfenstein and his wife, Luana Unser Prediger, started cultivating canola in 2025. On the property, located in the community of Vila Planalto, approximately 30 hectares are allocated for cultivation this season. The choice for canola is mainly related to the possibility of diversification and the adaptation of the crop to the region's production system. In addition to being an oilseed cultivated in the winter period, canola can participate in crop rotation, contributing to breaking disease cycles and making better use of the agricultural area. Studies by Embrapa highlight this potential of the crop in the Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul. A new alternative for farming For producers, investing in canola also means seeking new income possibilities and taking advantage of a period in which the property could have part of its area with less use. Janiel says that she decided to invest in the crop mainly because of canola's greater resistance to rain. Previously, during the winter, the area was used for wheat cultivation. The change brought a new alternative to the property, with the expectation of a greater financial return due to the appreciation of canola in the market. For this harvest, the forecast is to harvest between 25 and 30 bags per hectare. Cultivation requires attention from crop planning to harvest. Among the main precautions are choosing the cultivar, sowing time, soil management, fertilization and monitoring climatic conditions. In Rio Grande do Sul, canola is grown during autumn and winter, and sowing planning is one of the important factors for crop performance. Credit for cultivation To guarantee the resources necessary for the development of the crop, the cooperative members sought support from the Safra Plan at Cresol. Through the costing line, they were able to count on resources for expenses throughout the production cycle, contributing to better planning and development of the crop. "Cresol made our production easier by agility in releasing credit and practicality in hiring. And they also have close customer service, because we know we can count on them when we need them. Over time, they even end up creating a friendship", comments Janiel. More than making credit available, proximity to members is part of Cresol's activities in the field. The cooperative seeks to understand the reality of each property to offer solutions that meet the producer's needs. Canola gains space in Rio Grande do Sul The experience of Crissiumal producers follows a movement towards expansion of the crop in Rio Grande do Sul. According to the Emater/RS-Ascar projection for the 2026 harvest, the State should cultivate 353,397 hectares of canola, an increase of 102.64% in relation to the area cultivated in 2025. The advance reinforces the crop as one of the main alternatives among winter crops. In the Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, the crop already has a history of adaptation and has been studied as an alternative for the region's production systems. In addition to the possibility of generating income in winter, canola contributes to diversification and can be included in rotation systems with other crops. For Christian Renz, manager of the Cresol agency in Crissiumal, supporting activities such as canola production is part of the cooperative's commitment to the development of properties and the local economy. "We know that diversifying production is also a way of seeking new opportunities in the field. Cresol is alongside farmers to support these decisions and encourage them to learn about and evaluate new cultivation alternatives, always considering the reality and objectives of each property", he highlights. The expectation of members for the next cycles is to continue investing in canola as an alternative to diversify production. With planning, knowledge and access to the necessary resources, culture begins to occupy an increasingly strategic space on the property. Special series Safra Plan Since 2003, the Safra Plan has been one of the main policies to encourage the development of Brazilian agriculture, offering lines of credit for funding, investment and modernization of rural properties. In this special series, Cresol presents stories of producers who use these resources to invest in technology, expand production and strengthen family succession. In each report, an activity shows how cooperativism contributes to the development of the countryside in different regions of Brazil. Read more With support from Pronaf, producer from Minas Gerais expands its production Safra Plan strengthens grape production from the South to the Northeast of Brazil About Cresol With 31 years of history, more than 1.2 million members and 1,060 relationship agencies in Brazil, Cresol is one of the main cooperative financial institutions in the country. Focusing on personalized service, it provides financial solutions for individuals, companies and rural enterprises.