Brazil’s access strategy for sustainability

APOMS’ vision is long-term sustainability for smallholder farmers through the achievement of three key elements– access to technical assistance, access to credit, and access to consumer markets.

APOMS is located In the southern Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul, surrounded by a variety of large producers with a monoculture production. They benefit from a high production volume and a large sales market, therefore occupying a stable position within the state government. Alternatively, APOMS works with micro producers who grow smaller quantities and for whom financing is not often available. Our collaboration allowed them to be funded with credit while providing support through technical assistance.

As a result, APOMS has been able to increase visibility to the regional government and grow as an association.

Increased income has had the biggest impact on the farmers, and there are a number of factors responsible. One such cause is the market that APOMS creates. APOMS has a trading arm called Cooperapoms that facilitates the sales in local markets. Additionally, they make agreements with buyers such as schools, hospitals, military units and other local establishments. This approach has significantly increased the farmers’ turnover, with exponential success as demand for more organic foods from these establishments grows.

When it became clear that more water was needed as production increased, APOMS authorized farmers to take out a systemic credit loan to improve their irrigation system. This loan has also been used to expand their production, diversify products (including small animals), reduce waste and better utilize labor. Products also became better integrated and utilized. For example, they now own a kitchen where they can use their products to bake and sell cakes.

Nature plays a meaningful role for the 120 farmers affiliated with APOMS, and guidance is provided via an APOMS training school focused on agro-ecological practices. This school is not only accessible to its farmers, but also 25 young leaders are trained. They will be the next generation of new farmers in this region.

Farmers learn how the production of fruits and vegetables can be approached with environmentally friendly practices. Training also included learning the local biodiversity, and working with organic inputs in the soil. Farmers are now more resilient in a region which has been considerably impacted by the effects of climate change, like severe droughts.

Green efforts were also applied systemically. After APOMS’ engagement with the local government, the once common pesticide planes are now prohibited from flying over the municipality of Gloria de Dourados and no toxins are used on crops.