Brasília, January 13, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Program to Modernize the Fleet of Agricultural Tractors and Harvesters (Moderfrota) may be expanded to include small farmers. According to the vice-president of the National Association of Automotive Vehicle Manufacturers (Anfavea), Pérsio Paspre, the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply, Roberto Rodrigues requested a study for this purpose.

Paspre added that the Minister expressed satisfaction with the results of the program. Created in 2000, Moderfrota has made available R$ 5.5 million, through December, 2002. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, between January and March, 2002, sales of tractors grew 19.7%, and of harvesters, 31.2%, in comparison with the same period the previous year, thanks to the credit provided by the program. (DAS)