Brazil expands benefits for agricultural technicians in housing and debt programs

The Chamber of Deputies' Urban Development Committee approved Bill 2782/19, proposed by Deputy Giovani Cherini, to include agricultural technicians in the National Rural Housing Program (PNHR), part of the Minha Casa, Minha Vida scheme. The amendment aims to provide housing assistance to technicians engaged in extension, technical assistance, research and other rural services. Deputy Hildo Rocha said the inclusion represents “a measure of social justice and recognition of the living and working conditions of this category.”

In the Senate, the Economic Affairs Committee approved a draft law on rural debt renegotiation (Bill 5.122/2023). Technical experts involved in drafting the bill contest the Finance Ministry’s estimate that the measure could affect over R$800 billion, arguing it would cover roughly R$180 billion of rural debt, with a R$130 billion authorization and possible additional funds from the 2025/26 Safra Plan. The bill includes safeguards such as requiring compliance for previously renegotiated debts and limits on the types of debts eligible for restructuring. The legislation is slated for plenary discussion within two weeks.