Mass. OKs agricultural research deal with Brazil
BOSTON—Agricultural researchers at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst are strengthening ties with their Brazilian counterparts as part of an agreement announced by Gov. Deval Patrick.
Patrick said the deal between UMass-Amherst and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation will aid ongoing research on Brazilian crops, leading to economic development and job creation in agribusiness.
There are currently more than 7,700 farms in Massachusetts with an economic impact of over $3 billion.
Patrick made the announcement Monday in Brazil, during the second leg of his nine-day trade mission to South America.
Patrick said the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture is researching sustainable production and marketing strategies for vegetable crops used by immigrants in Massachusetts, including crops popular with the state's Brazilian population.
Patrick will continue to tour Brazil for the rest of the week.
