Sweet Potato Fair in São Paulo Highlights Innovation, Gastronomy, and Regional Production
The 7th Sweet Potato Technology Fair (Batatec) is taking place from July 23rd to 26th, 2026, in Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, showcasing technological innovations, technical lectures, and gastronomy centered around the sweet potato. The event, projected to attract 80,000 attendees, features 60 exhibitors and aims to strengthen agricultural culture and boost rural work. It includes technical spaces, a food court with sweet potato-based dishes and craft beers, musical performances, and the Batatec Race. Attendees can sample dishes like sweet potato gnocchi and caramelized sweet potato, and witness the launch of new sweet potato byproducts. Technical sessions cover topics from soil management and conservation practices to the production of ethanol from sweet potatoes and animal feed applications. The fair also emphasizes 'farm-to-table' technologies, including automation and climate-resilient farming methods. The Western Paulista region, including Pontal do Paranapanema, is the primary sweet potato production hub in São Paulo, accounting for 63.9% of the state's planted area and 66.4% of its production volume. Leading municipalities include Presidente Prudente, Presidente Bernardes, Alfredo Marcondes, and Regente Feijó. The region's economic importance is attributed to its warm climate and sandy soil, and it is awaiting final certification for Geographical Indication (GI) status. Nationally, São Paulo contributes 33% to 40% of Brazil's sweet potato output, with an estimated production value of R$173 million for 2025. Advanced technologies, such as drones and biofortified cultivars like IAC Dom Pedro II (rich in beta-carotene), are being utilized. The region exports sweet potatoes to countries including the Netherlands, Canada, Uruguay, and Argentina. Challenges for the sector include rising costs for fertilizers, fuel, pesticides, and labor, as well as payment terms.
The Batatec fair underscores the strategic importance of the sweet potato in Brazil's agricultural landscape, particularly in São Paulo's Western region. By integrating technological advancements with culinary applications and aiming for Geographical Indication status, the event seeks to enhance the product's market value and global competitiveness. The focus on climate-resilient practices and biofortified cultivars reflects a forward-looking approach to agricultural sustainability and public health. However, the industry faces systemic pressures from rising input costs and market payment structures, which could impact future investment and production stability. Addressing these challenges through policy and innovation will be crucial for the region to maintain its leadership and capitalize on export opportunities in the coming decade.
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