Brazil (Paraná): Guarapuava receives the title of Capital of the Papa

The official recognition as the "Potato Capital" in 2026, a result of  Bill No. 584/2025, promoted by Representative Cristina Silvestri  and approved by the Paraná Legislative Assembly, represents the culmination of a journey marked by a pioneering spirit, technology, and the strength of the cooperative movement. But what propelled the city to this level, and how will this title impact the region? Let’s explore the reasons and the history behind this achievement.

The power of numbers and official backing

The path to this recognition culminated in the Paraná Legislative Assembly with Bill No. 584/2025, sponsored by Representative Cristina Silvestri. This designation is no coincidence. Guarapuava represents a significant portion of the state’s production, accounting for approximately 28% of all potatoes harvested in Paraná in recent seasons.

This leadership is supported by a combination of factors that make the region a cultural "oasis":

• Altitude and climate: The geographical location of the guarapuava provides the ideal temperate climate, with cool nights that favor the accumulation of starch and the quality of the tuber.
• Soil and relief: The deep and mechanizable soils of the region allow for large-scale production with high efficiency.

From subsistence farming to technology center

Guarapuava’s journey to becoming the Potato Capital began with small producers and the strong support of European immigrants and settlers who settled in the region, bringing with them the technical knowledge of potato cultivation.

Over the years, the arrival of large cooperatives and investments in biotechnology have transformed the local landscape. What was once family-run operations has become a high-precision system. Today, Guarapuava not only grows potatoes; the city exports technology, high-quality genetically superior seeds, and management practices that serve as a benchmark for the rest of Brazil.

The role of cooperativism and innovation

It’s impossible to discuss Guarapuava’s rise without mentioning its innovation ecosystem. The city is home to some of the leading experts in the sector and hosts technical events covering topics ranging from smart irrigation to product traceability. The title of "Capital of the English Potato" is therefore a testament to the resilience of Guarapuava’s growers, who have maintained consistent production even in the face of market fluctuations and climate challenges.

The future: Added value and regional brand.

Having obtained the official designation, Guarapuava’s next step is to apply for Geographical Indication (GI). The goal is for "Papa Guarapuava" to be recognized as a seal of origin and superior quality, which will add value to the product and further strengthen agritourism in the region.

ABBIN’s perspective

As a key player in the sector’s daily operations,  ABBIN  reaffirms that the title awarded to Guarapuava is not merely a geographical honor, but rather recognition of an efficiency model that serves as a guide for the entire country. For the association, the city symbolizes the union of tradition and modernity, demonstrating that cooperative organization and constant investment in genetics and post-harvest processes are the only ways to overcome market volatility.

By officially designating Guarapuava as the Potato Capital, the sector strengthens its political and institutional voice, paving the way for potatoes produced in Paraná to reach new levels of added value and international recognition.