Experts, producers and students meet to discuss expansion in Acre ? The growth of coffee production in Acre and the prospects for strengthening the production chain were the main topics discussed at the 2nd State Coffee Culture Seminar that took place this Wednesday (22), in Rio Branco. The event brought together rural producers, researchers, students and representatives of institutions to discuss topics such as crop management, cooperativism, access to markets, exports, rural credit and technological innovation for the sector that is gaining ground in Acre's agribusiness. ? Join the g1 AC channel on WhatsApp According to the National Supply Company (Conab), it is estimated that the Brazilian coffee harvest will exceed 66 million bags in 2026, a volume that could represent a new record for coffee growing in the country. In Acre, production also continues to expand with grain production jumping from 6,632 thousand tons in 2025, to 6,969 thousand in 2026. The growth of coffee farming in Acre has been driven mainly by small producers. According to Sebrae, 83% of coffee farmers in Acre work on properties measuring less than 20 hectares, which highlights the importance of the activity for family farming. Producers, experts and students discuss innovation, market and challenges of coffee growing in Acre Richard Lauriano/Rede Amazônica Acre Producer Jackeline Lara, from Acrelândia, a municipality in the interior of Acre that is among the largest coffee producers in the state, is an example of this. Daughter of a coffee farmer, she said that continuing the work started by her family is a daily challenge. "[...] Remaining is much more difficult than producing coffee. The workforce, the family succession itself. As a producer's daughter, who was practically born under the coffee tree, continuing on the property and continuing the work that my father was doing is very important to me", she said. READ MORE: Driven by coffee and cassava, 2026 harvest estimate exceeds 205 thousand tons in Acre More than 80% of coffee farmers in AC are small producers, research shows: 'Valuing our land' Coffee production jumps more than 100% and exceeds 6 thousand tons in Acre According to the Sebrae Business Coordinator in Acre, Rina Suarez, the main objective of the meeting was to bring knowledge to strengthen the production chain in Acre state. "Our main objective is to bring knowledge to these producers, to interested people who want to get into the activity as well. [...] So, it is a series of knowledge that we have been bringing to the public, with various themes, market, commercialization and export perspectives as well", he explained. 2nd State Coffee Culture Seminar debated growth and innovation in the sector this Wednesday (22), in Rio Branco Richard Lauriano/Rede Amazônica Acre Technology and productivity The event also featured the presentation of research aimed at improving production. Coffee farming consultant Marcos Santana presented the results of four years of studies on coffee cloning, a technique used to reproduce plants with superior characteristics. According to him, the technology allows the selection of materials that are more productive and resistant to field conditions. "Producers will have information about clones that have greater potential for beverage quality, clones that are more resistant to attack by pests and diseases, clones that are more productive, among other important information for the producer to use on a daily basis in their crops", he detailed. Coffee production in Acre rose from 6,600 tons in 2025 to 6,900 in 2026 and family farming represents 83% of local coffee growers Richard Lauriano/Rede Amazônica Acre In addition to technological innovation, the seminar program also addressed topics such as environmental licensing, access to rural credit, commercialization and cultivation without the use of pesticides. For the head of the Coffee Production Center at the State Department of Agriculture (Seagri), Michelma Lima, investing in quality strengthens the entire production chain. "The producer wins because his work is recognized, the consumer wins because today he wants to understand where this coffee comes from, who produces it, how it is made. So, the entire production chain wins", he stated. Review Acre’s news programs