For more than 40 years, Arlete Aparecida Lopes Sato and her husband, Jorge Sato, have built their lives around farming.
On their 10-hectare farm in Brazil, they grow zucchini, bell peppers, and okra across four hectares of productive land. For Arlete, farming is more than a source of income. It is a lifelong commitment to the land, her family, and the customers who depend on the vegetables they produce.
Over the years, Arlete and Jorge have learned to adapt to the realities of farming. Pests and diseases, changing market demand, and the constant need to improve productivity are all part of their daily work. They continue to face these challenges by refining their practices, learning from experience, and trying varieties that can perform well on their farm and meet the needs of the market.
Arlete Sato in her zucchini production area
Finding the Right Zucchini for Her Farm
Around four years ago, Arlete was introduced to the Dany zucchini variety of East-West Seed (EWS) Brazil, while the variety was still being developed.
As one of the farmers who tested the variety in its early stages, Arlete was able to observe its performance in the field.
“I have known Dany zucchini since the early stages of its development. Since then, we have seen a significant impact on our production and customer preference. It’s a product that delivers quality and productivity, which is essential for us farmers.”
Dany zucchini has vigorous plants, high yield potential, and tolerance to common zucchini viruses (PRSV, WMV, and ZYMV), which can cause weak plants, malformed fruits, and reduced yields. The variety also produces uniform fruits that meet commercial standards, offers good post-harvest quality, and can be planted throughout the year, with particularly strong performance during summer.
The experience gave Arlete an opportunity to contribute her knowledge as a farmer. Her observations from the field helped provide valuable insights into how the variety performed and what farmers and customers were looking for.
A field of EWS Dany zucchini
Learning and Improving Season after Season
For Arlete, good seeds are only one part of successful vegetable production. Farming also requires careful crop management, close observation, and a willingness to keep learning.
Through regular conversations and farm visits with the EWS team, Arlete and Jorge have been able to discuss practical concerns related to fertilization, pest and disease management, and cultivation techniques.
“Every time the EWS team visits, I can ask questions about fertilization, pest control, and crop management. They always bring valuable insights that improve our daily work on the farm.”
These exchanges complement the knowledge Arlete and Jorge have developed over decades of farming. By combining their own experience with new information and practical guidance, they continue to make improvements that support healthier crops and more efficient production.
Growing for the Market
A variety must perform well in the field, but it must also meet the expectations of buyers and consumers.
For Arlete, the market’s response to Dany zucchini was clear. Customers appreciated the fruit quality, helping the variety gain acceptance and creating stronger demand for the farm’s produce.
“When we started growing Dany, we immediately noticed how much customers liked it. The fruit has excellent quality, with shiny skin, a good shape, and the ability to stay fresh for a long time. That makes a huge difference both for buyers and for us farmers.”
Producing vegetables that customers want has helped Arlete and Jorge strengthen their market opportunities. Improved productivity and consistent quality also support the farm’s income and provide greater stability for their family.
Proud to Make a Living from the Land
Arlete and Jorge in their zucchini field
After more than four decades in farming, Arlete remains focused on improving rather than simply expanding. Her goal is to make better use of the land she already cultivates by continuing to refine her practices, explore promising varieties, and produce vegetables that meet the needs of the market.
“As long as I am healthy, I want to keep making my living from the land. I am proud to be a farmer and to contribute to East-West Seed’s research, testing new varieties and helping develop better products for all of us.”
Arlete’s story reflects the knowledge, resilience, and commitment that farmers bring to agriculture every day. By testing varieties, sharing honest feedback, and applying what she learns in the field, she is helping shape better solutions not only for her own farm but also for other vegetable farmers.
Her journey is a reminder that meaningful agricultural innovation begins by listening to farmers, learning from their experience, and working alongside them to develop varieties and practices that respond to real challenges in the field.
