The subject of this post may be unknown or sound curious to those working in agriculture, since the term accelerator is not yet a common term in our day-to-day life. However, accelerators are indirectly present around us more than we think. WhatsApp, Airbnb and Uber are some of the world companies that had their success stories boosted by a business accelerator. In Brazil, even though they are newer and less prominent, accelerators are also resulting in success cases.
What are accelerators after all?
In order to explain it more easily, let us make an analogy with a practical and common example from our day-to-day life: imagine you want to lose 5 kg. The weight loss “formula” is pretty well known, is it not? Proper diet and regular exercise. But in order to lose weight faster and at the same time with quality, we know that the support from professionals like dietitians and personal trainers would greatly help expedite the process by bringing more adequate methods, plans and routines, so that you can achieve your optimal weight and reach your objective faster and at the same time in a healthier way. A business accelerator is basically the same thing. By using mentors, contact networks, privileged information, and experience with business at larger scales and access to investment, accelerators can establish shorter and more assertive ways to big growth leap.
The startup accelerator model is already a reality in Brazil in markets linked to technology, particularly in business models related to the internet and mobile technology. However, it is not a common practice in agribusiness, because it requires a large structure and has well-established business models, unlike technology projects, that may start small and are quite varied.
However, this reality is starting to change. With increasing production costs and less people interested in and able to work in the field and increasingly demanding and connected markets that define the types of products they want to consume on a daily basis, as well as their production processes (less impact, more health, more standardization, traceability, etc.), companies and producers are forced to innovate. In this innovation process there is room for actions that boost acceleration initiatives.
An example of that is the Agriness Accelerator, an innovative project created by Agriness to boost productivity in pig farms. The company is currently the market leader in technology and management for the pig industry and based on its PENSAMENTO+1 methodology, it created a productivity acceleration program designed to support pig producers and their staff to make production management more efficient, with less waste and greater profits.
In the case of pig production and agribusiness in general, the concept of acceleration is the same as that of startups, but the focus is no longer on sales and market expansion strategies, but rather on people, processes, information and, particularly, on the management attitude towards maximum productive efficiency. Examples such as that of pig producer Ricardo Coldebella, who participates in an acceleration program conducted by the Agriness Accelerator at the Copérdia cooperative, prove that structured support does accelerate business growth. After two years participating in the acceleration program, the pig producer had a productivity gain of 4 weaned piglets/Sow/Year and an 18% improvement in his production result.
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“We are happy to be able to contribute with the industry and help improve results and the life of rural producers. We are sure that Brazilians are able to produce with better quality, but they need guidance, mentorship, follow-up and methods that show them the way”, says Everton Gubert, Agriness CEO and coordinator of the Accelerator established by the company.
Other initiatives designed to foster innovation with a focus on agribusiness are spreading throughout Brazil and will surely open up spaces for models like the one promoted by Agriness. An accelerator can certainly help agribusiness take off with a focus on eliminating waste and increasing management efficiency. Then, it is up to you to work hard, improve your production efficiency and increase your profitability.
TIPS TO ACCELERATE
ANALYZE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY AND CHECK IF YOUR FARM IS MANAGING TO DELIVER TO ITS FULLEST POTENTIAL. IF IT IS NOT, YOU DEFINITELY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO INCREASE YOUR GAINS WITHOUT HAVING TO INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTION STRUCTURE.
TRY TO HAVE A METHOD, TOOLS AND CONTINUOUS SUPPORT IN PRODUCTION AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES BECAUSE THEY ARE THE FOCUS OF THE PRODUCTION OPPORTUNITY.
LOOK FOR EXPERIENCED MENTORS AND CONSULTANTS CAN REALLY LEAD YOU IN AN ACCELERATION PROCESS, WHO HAVE CLARITY ABOUT WHAT SHOULD BE ACHIEVED AT THE END OF EVERY STEP.
Had you heard the term “accelerator” before? Have you ever related an acceleration model to pig production or seen one applied to this industry?
