In December 2019, in the municipalities of Arinos and Uruana de Minas (MG), ISPN conducted training and networking workshops with farmers and family farmers from Sustainable Cotton Project in the CerradoThis initiative, developed by the organization with funding from the C&A Institute, provided a collective session to guide and encourage beneficiaries on the initial steps towards agroecological cotton production. The session covered where, when, and how the cotton will be produced in rural communities, the processes for marketing the cotton, and the necessary steps to ensure the project's sustainability and self-sufficiency.
In total, approximately 45 people are directly benefiting in the northwest region of Minas Gerais, in the cities of Arinos, Riachinho, Uruana de Minas, Natalândia, Formoso, Bonfinópolis, Brasilândia de Minas, Santa Fé de Minas, and Dom Bosco. With the production of agroecological cotton, also geared towards receiving organic certification, farmers will be able to sell it to small and medium-sized fashion companies, contributing to sustainable and conscious consumption in society, as well as guaranteeing more income generation and promoting an improved quality of life in the communities reached by the initiative.
The next steps for implementing the Project include further training activities, such as capacity-building workshops at each stage of cotton development and discussions on organic certification. In addition, beneficiaries from Minas Gerais will participate in an exchange program with producers from Northeast Brazil who are already producing agroecological cotton. In the area of marketing, negotiation rounds will be held with buyers to secure a consumer market for the production of Minas Gerais farming families.
Why agroecological?
The project aims to promote cotton production within the principles of agroecology, associated with various strategies for environmental conservation and social development. One of these strategies, discussed during workshops held in Arinos and Riachinho, concerns soil protection and use: during the cotton production cycle, the land receives a cover of organic matter based on legumes or other plants already existing in the producer's area; in addition, cotton is cultivated simultaneously with other traditionally grown crops, such as corn, beans, and squash. Sesame is also introduced as a natural repellent, protecting the crops from insect attacks.
With this adequate protection and crop diversity, soil nutrients are preserved, ensuring its richness and fertility. Furthermore, farming families produce more food for their own consumption and for sale, promoting an increase in family income. "Agroecological farming is a way to care for the environment and also to teach our children and grandchildren to have a better life," comments Judite Mendes, a family farmer from Riachinho.
Do you know the difference between agroecological cotton and organic cotton?
Contrary to what many believe, there is a significant difference between organic and agroecological products. The former considers only production done without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides, and without genetically modified species. However, organic products can still be produced within the logic of large monocultures, which disregards the involvement and working conditions of farmers, the compatibility of crops with the local ecosystem, and productive diversity, among other principles that prioritize both environmental and social aspects.
Agroecological products are part of a movement that values socio-environmental responsibility. In addition to avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals, this production method is also based on valuing diversity, local and cultural knowledge, production in harmony with the environment, the autonomy and sovereignty of family farmers, and various other characteristics that give agroecological products a political dimension aimed at minimizing social inequalities in conjunction with environmental conservation.
Marketing of agroecological cotton
We understand, therefore, that not all organic products are agroecological; however, all agroecological products are organic if we consider the non-use of chemical agents in their production. Nevertheless, under Brazilian commercialization regulations, agroecological products require a seal certifying them as organic in order to be widely marketed.
When a farmer obtains registration to sell a product without organic certification, they can only sell directly to the end consumer, such as at farmers' markets, and/or for government purchases, such as... PAA and PNAEBy certifying the product, the farmer expands their marketing possibilities, that is, they can now sell to markets, stores, industries, etc.
Therefore, in Sustainable Cotton Project in the CerradoAll cotton produced will respect the principles of socio-environmental responsibility foreseen by agroecology, and will be geared towards obtaining the organic product seal, which will allow its sale to small and medium-sized industries in the fashion segment.
Learn more about obtaining the organic product seal on the MAPA website. click here.
The Sustainable Cotton Project is part of Cerrado and Caatinga Program from ISPN, and integrates the strategy for the promotion of Productive Eco-social Landscapes (PPP-ECOS) Organization.