Jardim dos Clones Produção e Comercialização de Frutas e Mudas Ltda is a Brazilian agricultural enterprise specializing in certified plant propagation and high-quality fruit cultivation. Based in Vacaria, Rio Grande do Sul, the company is a key player in Brazil’s southern agribusiness sector, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation, genetic excellence, and sustainable nursery practices.
Company Overview
Jardim dos Clones operates as both a nursery and a commercial fruit producer. Founded and led by a trio of agricultural entrepreneurs — João Vicente Silveira Zuanazzi, Ermano Varaschin Junior, and Fernando Gargioni Soldatelli — the company combines decades of expertise in plant genetics, orchard management, and supply chain logistics.
Core Business Segments
1. Certified Plant Propagation
- Specialized in the propagation of genetically certified fruit plants, particularly apple trees.
- Operates under strict phytosanitary controls and national certification standards.
- Supplies saplings to commercial orchards throughout Brazil, ensuring consistency and disease resistance.
2. Fruit Cultivation and Sales
- Owns and operates orchards dedicated primarily to apple production, a dominant crop in the Vacaria region.
- Cultivates varieties suitable for both domestic consumption and export-grade quality.
- Harvested fruits are sold through wholesale channels and fresh produce distribution networks.
3. Wholesale Trade
- Engaged in the bulk trading of fresh fruits, vegetables, tubers, and legumes.
- Provides end-to-end post-harvest handling, including sorting, packing, and logistics coordination for wholesale buyers.
4. Intangible Asset Management
- Manages intellectual property related to exclusive plant varieties and cultivation methodologies.
- Licensing of proprietary genetic material for propagation by other certified nurseries and orchards.
Regional and Economic Importance
Vacaria is a leading hub for temperate fruit production in Brazil, particularly apples. Jardim dos Clones plays a strategic role in the region’s horticultural value chain:
- Contributes to the over 1 million tons of apples produced annually in Brazil.
- Supplies planting materials that feed into more than 15,000 hectares of apple orchards across the southern states.
- Indirectly supports hundreds of jobs through its nursery and cultivation operations.
Sustainability and Best Practices
Jardim dos Clones emphasizes responsible agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity and environmental health:
- Soil Conservation: Practices such as cover cropping and minimal tillage to preserve soil structure and fertility.
- Water Efficiency: Use of drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting in plant propagation facilities.
- Pest Management: Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
Research and Development
- Collaborates with local agricultural research institutions and universities to innovate in plant genetics, cold resistance, and yield optimization.
- Frequently conducts field trials to evaluate new cultivars and rootstock performance.
Leadership and Expertise
Under the leadership of Ermano Varaschin Junior and his partners, the company integrates modern agronomic science with decades of horticultural experience. The leadership team is recognized within Brazilian agribusiness circles for advancing the standards of nursery certification and genetic integrity in fruit crops.
Strategic Vision
Jardim dos Clones aims to:
- Expand its reach to neighboring countries with compatible climates such as Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
- Develop and license proprietary apple cultivars with superior commercial traits.
- Integrate traceability systems and digital tools into nursery and orchard operations for enhanced market responsiveness.
As a specialist in certified fruit plant production and a key enabler of Brazil’s apple supply chain, Jardim dos Clones continues to elevate the quality, sustainability, and innovation of South American horticulture.
