Associação de Pequenos Produtores Rurais de Santo Inácio – APRUSI

Santo Inácio Melhor

The Association aims to create alternative jobs and generate income among the community of Catas Altas da Noruega, in the State of Minais Gerais. In 2004, they received an Incentive Award from BrazilFoundation to build a greenhouse for exotic plants and septic tanks for the residents of Santo Inácio. The organization demonstrated an impressive ability to manage its resources and mobilize the community. The greenhouse attained financial sustainability and the septic tanks were installed.

To give continuity to this work, the association created the project Doce Cidadania, which formed a unit to produce raw sugar, taking advantage of the region’s abundant sugarcane. The project consolidated the cooperative spirit of community residents and generated income for the families. With additional support from BrazilFoundation, the farmers were trained in techniques for planting crops and the administration of production. The resources were also used to equip a unit for production, providing work for employees and generating local and sustainable development.