8 – Administrative Region: Barretos

General Overview:

·         Economy heavily centered on agribusiness, with emphasis on the production of sugarcane, oranges, and beef.

·         Significant rural tourism activity, especially related to rodeos, exhibitions, and traditional festivals, primarily in the city of Barretos.

·         Presence of three state development hubs focused on food and beverages, biofuels, and health/pharmaceuticals.

Economic and Technological Highlights:

·         The biofuels value chain is one of the largest job generators.

·         Chemical, plastic, and machinery and equipment sectors are expanding rapidly and considered strategic.

·         Health tourism is growing, with Barretos Cancer Hospital serving as a national reference.

·         Gradual adoption of technologies such as precision agriculture, renewable energy, and biorefineries.

Strategic Sectors in the Region:

·         Biofuels

·         Chemicals

·         Food and Beverages

·         Machinery and Equipment

·         Rural Tourism and Health

 Socioeconomic Data:

·         Estimated population: approximately 333,000 inhabitants

·         Regional GDP: around R$ 8.1 billion (2018)

·         Longevity indicator below the São Paulo state average

·         Population growth below the state average, with 12 municipalities showing negative migration balances

·         Industrial structure is concentrated and dependent on commodity markets

SWOT Analysis:

Strengths:

·         Strong agribusiness chain, with emphasis on sugar, meat, juice, and ethanol

·         Traditional and nationally recognized rural tourism

·         Barretos Cancer Hospital as a healthcare and innovation hub

·         Strategic development hubs fostering dynamic sectors

Weaknesses:

·         Slow demographic growth and negative migration in various municipalities

·         Social indicators, particularly longevity, below the state average

·         Industrial structure lacking diversity and vulnerable to global market fluctuations

Opportunities:

·         Renewal and modernization of sugarcane fields with new species and technologies

·         Expansion of health tourism and pharmaceutical production, especially from animal sources

·         Development of sustainable technologies such as second-generation ethanol and biorefineries

·         Greater digitalization and connectivity in the agro-industrial sector

Threats:

·         High dependence on agricultural exports, subject to price fluctuations and trade barriers

·         Heavy concentration of buyer markets in Asia, increasing vulnerability to geopolitical and trade changes

Employment and Education:

·         Significant increase in the workforce with complete high school and some higher education, especially in food and biofuels sectors

Distribution of Industrial Jobs:

·         Approximately 76% of industrial jobs are concentrated in selected competitive sectors

·         Employment mainly distributed among food, chemical, machinery and equipment, and plastics sectors

Main Sectors by Employment:

·         Food

·         Biofuels

·         Chemicals

·         Machinery and Equipment

·         Plastics

Investments (2010–2017):

·         Industry: US$ 19.14 million focused on agriculture and livestock

·         Services: US$ 361.09 million, mainly in leisure, lodging, healthcare, real estate, and education

Export Participation (2016):

·         Predominantly low-tech products (85.8%)

·         Represents 2.6% of the total exports of the State of São Paulo

Municipalities in the Barretos Administrative Region (19 municipalities):

1. Altair

2. Barretos

3. Bebedouro

4. Cajobi

5. Colina

6. Colômbia

7. Embaúba

8. Guaíra

9. Guaraci

10. Jaborandi

11. Monte Azul Paulista

12. Olímpia

13. Pirangi

14. Severínia

15. Taiaçu

16. Taiúva

17. Terra Roxa

18. Viradouro

19. Vista Alegre do Alto