Valentim Fernandes Influences Sugar Industry

Valentim Fernandes, a German-born printer and chronicler operating out of Portugal, observed that the island of São Tomé had extensive sugarcane fields, surpassing those of Madeira. However, he noted that São Tomé lacked the infrastructure necessary for the industrial production of sugar. Madeira was known for its advanced sugar industry, supported by facilities that processed sugarcane efficiently. São Tomé had favorable conditions for growing sugarcane, which authors at the time attributed to its volcanic soil and humid climate. Despite this, the absence of sugar mills meant that the raw cane had to be exported or processed using rudimentary methods, resulting in less efficient production and lower overall output. The impact of Fernandes' observation highlighted an important disparity within the Portuguese sugar economy. Madeira had developed specialized factories, known as engenhos, which helped it dominate the sugar trade. This infrastructure gap in São Tomé suggested potential for growth and development, leading to future investments in the island's sugar industry as Portuguese interests recognized the need for industrial facilities. Fernandes' note played a role in spreading this understanding, potentially influencing economic policies and encouraging the implementation of proper sugar mills in São Tomé. This eventually aligned the island’s production capabilities with those of other prominent sugar-producing regions, impacting the local economy and trade practices in the broader Atlantic world. #Agriculture #Trade #EconomicHistory #SãoTomé #SugarIndustry #MoofLife