 Brazil's rural population fell from 20,700,000 in 1985 to 17,900,000 in 1995, followed by a decrease in import taxes on inputs and other measures that forced Brazilian producers to adapt to global practices.The raise of productivity, mechanization (with reduction of costs) and professionalization marked that period.Brazil initially used a land management system known as sesmarias featured by large holdings with a small number of landowners.