Lush green pineapple fields on rolling hills.

Pineapple's Comeback: How Family Farms Are Keeping the Tradition Alive

Kai Mendoza in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the untold story of Monte Alegre de Minas' pineapple farmers who are battling monoculture and economic shifts to preserve their heritage."

In the rolling hills of Monte Alegre de Minas, Brazil, agriculture isn't just a business—it's a deeply woven part of the local identity. For generations, family farms have been the backbone of the community, shaping its economy and culture. Among these agricultural traditions, pineapple cultivation holds a special place, marking the region as a significant producer in Brazil.

The story of pineapple farming in Monte Alegre de Minas began in the 1940s and by the 1980s, the region was celebrated as the “National Capital of Pineapple,” producing an impressive 149 million fruits annually. But as the global agricultural landscape evolved, these family farms faced new challenges. From rising production costs and lack of government incentives to the expansion of sugarcane, soybean, and corn cultivation, many farmers found themselves at a crossroads.

Despite these pressures, many family farmers in Monte Alegre de Minas have refused to let the tradition fade. These farmers are more than just producers, they are custodians of a legacy. Through innovative strategies and unwavering determination, they continue to grow pineapples, balancing economic realities with cultural preservation. This article explores their inspiring journey, highlighting the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to keep their farms—and their heritage—alive.

The Heart of the Matter: Family Farms and Pineapple Production

Lush green pineapple fields on rolling hills.

Family farms play a crucial role in Brazil’s agricultural sector, producing a significant portion of the food consumed in urban areas while providing employment and income in rural communities. These farms are characterized by a close connection between family labor and land, fostering a sense of stewardship and tradition. However, they often face systemic challenges such as limited access to agricultural policies, low market prices, and difficulties in commercializing their products.

In Minas Gerais, pineapple production is particularly significant, with 94% of the state's pineapple farms concentrated in the Triângulo Mineiro region, particularly around Monte Alegre de Minas. These family-run operations contribute substantially to both the local and national economy, supplying both domestic and international markets.

Here are the key challenges they face:

Rising Production Costs
Lack of Incentives
Competition from Monoculture Crops

Despite these obstacles, pineapple cultivation has spurred a unique productive reorganization in Monte Alegre de Minas. Farmers are finding innovative ways to maintain their pineapple crops, blending traditional methods with new techniques to ensure the sustainability of their farms. These strategies reflect not only a commitment to economic survival but also a deep-seated connection to their cultural heritage.

Sustaining the Legacy

The story of pineapple farmers in Monte Alegre de Minas is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of family farms in the face of adversity. By embracing diversification, leveraging government programs, and maintaining a strong connection to their cultural roots, these farmers are not only surviving but also thriving. Their efforts ensure that pineapple production continues to be a vital part of the region’s economy, identity, and cultural heritage for generations to come. Supporting these farmers means investing in a sustainable future that honors both tradition and progress.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.12957/geouerj.2017.25056, Alternate LINK

Title: (Re)Existência Dos Produtores De Abacaxi Em Monte Alegre De Minas (Mg) / (Re) Existence Of Pineapple Producers In Monte Alegre De Minas (Mg)

Journal: Geo UERJ

Publisher: Universidade de Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Authors: Alessandra Rodrigues Guimarães, Vera Lúcia Salazar Pessôa

Published: 2017-12-30

Everything You Need To Know

Why are family farms so important to Monte Alegre de Minas, Brazil?

Family farms in Monte Alegre de Minas are pivotal because they produce a significant portion of the food consumed in urban areas, provide employment, and generate income in rural communities. These farms are characterized by a close tie between family labor and the land, promoting stewardship and tradition. However, they face challenges like limited access to agricultural policies, low market prices, and difficulties in commercializing their products. Their persistence ensures the continuation of local traditions and supports the broader economy.

What key challenges did the 'National Capital of Pineapple' in Monte Alegre de Minas face that threatened its pineapple production?

The "National Capital of Pineapple" faced rising production costs, lack of government incentives, and competition from monoculture crops like sugarcane, soybean, and corn. These factors led many farmers to a crossroads, threatening the long-standing tradition of pineapple cultivation in Monte Alegre de Minas. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the survival of family farms and the preservation of their cultural heritage.

How are pineapple farmers in Monte Alegre de Minas adapting to sustain their farms and preserve their legacy?

Farmers in Monte Alegre de Minas sustain pineapple production by embracing diversification, leveraging government programs, and maintaining a strong connection to their cultural roots. They blend traditional farming methods with new techniques to ensure sustainability. This approach allows them to balance economic realities with cultural preservation, ensuring pineapple production remains a vital part of the region’s economy and identity.

Why does the expansion of monoculture crops pose such a threat to pineapple cultivation in Monte Alegre de Minas?

Monoculture expansion poses a significant threat to pineapple cultivation in Monte Alegre de Minas because it involves large-scale planting of single crops like sugarcane, soybean, and corn. This competition for land and resources can displace smaller family farms that grow pineapples. The displacement leads to economic hardship and loss of cultural heritage associated with pineapple farming.

What does it mean to support the pineapple farmers of Monte Alegre de Minas, and what are the implications of doing so?

Supporting pineapple farmers in Monte Alegre de Minas involves investing in a sustainable future that honors both tradition and progress. This includes providing access to agricultural policies, fair market prices, and assistance in commercializing their products. It ensures the survival of family farms, preserves their cultural heritage, and supports the region’s economy by maintaining pineapple production as a vital part of the local identity.