What does “Promoting Organic Family Agriculture in Pernambuco State” mean?

It is a project coordinated by the British development agency International Service - IS. The project is co-financed (75%) by The European Union .

Through a partnership with 4 NGOs, the project supports the development of family agriculture in Sertão do Araripe in Pajeú and in the Agreste region of Pernambuco within an agroecological perspective, without using chemical pesticides whilst preserving the environment.

What are the objectives of the project?

1. To increase the production of, access to and consumption of locally produced organic foods in a sustainable manner through the introduction of agro-ecological cultivation systems, together with family farmers participating in local agro-ecological markets.

2. To increase guaranteed family income by improving the ability of family farmers to produce, process and sell a growing quantity of quality organic products and to manage the production process in an effective and sustainable manner.

3. To promote the recuperation, management and preservation of environments through the introduction and strengthening of agro-ecological cultivation systems.

Who participates in the project?

Through partnerships with 4 NGOs from Pernambuco (CHAPADA from Araripina, CECOR from Serra Talhada, CNMP from Olinda and AQCC from Conceição das Crioulas), the Project benefits rural communities and family farmers in the following municipalities:
- Araripina, Bodocó, Exu, Ipubi, Moreilândia, Ouricuri, Santa Cruz, Santa Filomena and Trindade (in the Sertão region of Araripe);
- Serra Talhada, Flores, Santa Cruz da Baixa Verde and Salgueiro (in the Sertão region of Pajeú);
- Bonito, Bezerros and Riacho das Almas (in the Agreste region).

What activities are included in the project?

With financial support, project technicians and the co-operation and advice of four development workers placed by International Service – IS, the 4 NGOs carry out diagnosis, workshops, seminars, exchange visits and technical support in the following areas:
- Organic fruit growing;
- Organic horticulture;
- Apiculture in the wild;
- Implantation of Agro-forestry Systems (AFSs)
- Use of natural pesticides;
- Access to and strengthening of local agro-ecological markets;
- Priority given to organic produce;
- Cultivation and processing of organic medicinal plants.

What is the duration of the project and what are the expected results?

The Project started in January 2006 and will run for three years. The projected results include:
- A greater variety and diversity of healthy food available throughout the year in the participating communities as a result of growth and diversity in organic production by local producers;
- Higher levels of income for family farmers throughout the year as a result of diversified organic production, more and higher quality techniques and greater involvement in local agro-ecological markets;
- A better lifestyle with a strengthened and diversified biodiversity, recuperation of soil through the introduction of agro-ecological systems and improved access to water supplies.

How can I learn more about the project?

Contact the project leader:
Luca Sinesi
International Service- IS
Phone: (81) 3244 6391
Mobile: (81) 9607 2463
E-mail: luca@isbrasil.org.br
Site: www.isbrasil.org.br

To learn more about The European Union’s work in Brazil contact The Delegation of the European Commission in Brazil:
Phone: (61) 2104 3122
E-mail: delegation-brazil@ec.europa.eu
Site: www.delbra.ec.europa.eu