Rio de Janeiro merges agriculture secretaries, eliminates 173 commissioned posts
The interim government of the State of Rio de Janeiro issued a decree that merged the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (SEAPA) with the Secretariat of Regional Development, Fisheries and Family Farming (SEDIPAF). The new body, named the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Supply and Regional Development (SEAPPADI), consolidates policy formulation, coordination and execution for agriculture, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture, supply, family farming and interior regional development.
Veterinarian Ricardo Augusto Rosa Mansur was appointed head of the new secretariat. Within two days of the merger, 173 commissioned officials were exonerated, a move projected to save about R$ 5 million by the end of 2026—roughly R$ 780 thousand per month—by reducing operating costs and eliminating overlapping functions.
The restructuring is part of a broader cost‑reduction agenda pursued by the interim administration, which has also implemented measures such as the dismissal of over 4,000 commissioned positions in other areas.