The new law seeks to encourage the sustainable planting and trade of Cerrado fruits, as well as prohibit the predatory felling of pequi trees. It also considers the importance of socio-biodiversity economies for the conservation of the biome.
A Law 15.089 / 2025The law, which establishes the National Policy for the Sustainable Management, Planting, Extraction, Consumption, Marketing and Transformation of Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) and other Native Fruits and Products of the Cerrado, was sanctioned on Tuesday (7) by President Lula (PT), in a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, in Brasília. Authored by federal deputy Rogério Correia (PT-MG), the legislation seeks to protect species typical of the biome, promoting sustainable practices and valuing the traditional communities that depend on these natural resources.
The new law establishes guidelines for the preservation of the pequi tree and prohibits its felling and predatory use, except when authorized by competent bodies or in areas designated for public works and services. Furthermore, the national policy aims to identify communities that depend on harvesting the fruit and encourage sustainable management as a source of income and environmental preservation.
The sanction of PL 1970 / 2019 (qThe signing of the law (which originated from the Law) approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate (in December), was celebrated by Vicentina Bispo, creator of the "Pequitina" brand, who was present at the ceremony for the enactment of the national Law, which originated from state legislation known as Pró-Pequi, in Minas Gerais, Vicentina's home state.
“Federal deputy Rogério Correia (PT-MG), who at the time was a state deputy, asked what was needed to get the law off the ground and supported us. With that, the law was enacted at the state level, but we knew it wasn't enough. So, he continued the work in the National Congress, when he was elected federal deputy, and took the issue to Brasília,” recalls Vicentina.
The outlook for the future is optimistic. “Now, the goal is to make the law reach the entire Cerrado region. I also want to continue creating products and passing this knowledge on, so that future generations respect and value what we have,” he projects.
When asked what the Cerrado means to her, her answer is filled with emotion. “The Cerrado never lets you down. It always gives you something. It’s a wonderful biome, full of possibilities. Working with it has only brought me joy. And it’s great to see the results of my work being recognized,” she concludes.
According to Silvana Bastos, coordinator of the Sociobiodiversity Program at the Institute for Society, Population and Nature (ISPN), the approval of the policy focused on the Cerrado represents a fundamental recognition.
"Given the many challenges to the conservation of the Cerrado, the policy recognizes the importance of sustainable use and the socio-biodiversity economies promoted by traditional peoples and communities for keeping the Cerrado standing!", highlights Silvana Bastos.
She emphasizes, however, that there is still a long way to go. "The next step is the effective implementation of the policy, and for that, an alliance between the State and organized civil society is fundamental," she stresses.
ISPN is a member of the executive coordination of Observatory of Sociobiodiversity Economies (ÓSocioBio)ÓSocioBio, which works to monitor and advocate for public policies aimed at the socio-productive inclusion of indigenous peoples, traditional peoples and communities, and family farmers. ÓSocioBio is a network of 42 members and aims to guarantee livelihoods, food sovereignty, and the permanence of these peoples in their territories throughout Brazil.
Lula highlights the importance of the law for PIPCTAFs
The policy presents significant positive aspects for traditional peoples and communities. One of the main advances is the recognition and appreciation of traditional practices, with emphasis on the identification of areas inhabited by these communities and the encouragement of sustainable management, essential for the conservation of the Cerrado biome.
Furthermore, the policy provides economic and organizational support, with incentives aimed at cooperatives and associations, strengthening local production chains and promoting the regional economy. Another important point is the focus on environmental education and cultural appreciation, with the creation of reference centers and actions aimed at rescuing and preserving the intangible heritage of communities, reinforcing the commitment to the continuity of their traditions and knowledge.
"This project is not only good for those who enjoy eating pequi and preserving the environment, but especially for those who rely on these fruits as a source of income and a way of life," President Lula stated in a post on the social network X.
He also highlighted the importance of recognizing the significance of the Cerrado and its fruits for local populations: "Sometimes, what is not important to those who live on Paulista Avenue or Avenida Atlântica may be the most important thing for those who live in the Brazilian Cerrado," he wrote.
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Check out the interview with Vicentina Bispo, creator of the Pequitina food brand.
Text: Dominik Giusti/ISPN Press Office