Fruit Processing Course Empowers Residents of Colares
State government initiative, through Setur, in partnership with Senar and the local City Hall, contributes to the economy with sustainability and appreciation of regional culture and products
The State Secretariat of Tourism (Setur), in partnership with the National Rural Learning Service (Senar) and the City Hall of Colares, is promoting the Fruit Processing course in the municipality, located in northeastern Pará, from July 7 to 11 (Monday to Friday). The training took place at the headquarters of the Municipal Secretariat of Culture, Tourism, Sports, and Leisure, and included local residents interested in transforming knowledge and natural resources into entrepreneurship opportunities and income generation.
“The training is part of Setur's ongoing effort to prepare Pará's municipalities for the growth of tourism, especially given the international visibility that Pará will have with the COP 30 taking place in 2025 in Belém. Initiatives like this help boost the local economy with sustainability and appreciation of culture and regional products,” explained Margarete Carvalho, the manager of Qualification of Tourist Services at Setur.
Various products - Taught by food engineer Gleice Vasconcelos, who holds a PhD in Food Science and Technology from the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), the course offered theoretical and practical classes on safe food handling and fruit processing techniques. Students learned to produce jams, pasty sweets, cut sweets, compotes, fruits in syrup, pickles, liqueurs, ketchup, coconut candies, and even crystallized fruits — traditionally used in panetones and Christmas wreaths.
“The key point of this course is the added value. Participants learn to transform local fruits into products with greater commercial appeal, flavor, and extended shelf life. It is a way to utilize the community's own resources to generate income sustainably and safely,” emphasized instructor Gleice Vasconcelos.
The initiative received wide support from the local community. For resident Diliane Corrêa Brito, the course represents much more than a technical qualification. “It provides real opportunities for entrepreneurship, job creation, and income generation, in addition to contributing to the planned and organized development of tourism. Colares receives many visitors, but still lacks adequate services. With this qualification, we can offer quality products and better welcome tourists,” she reiterated.
Appreciation - Vânia Roberta Ferreira da Silva, another member of the class, reinforced the importance of the training for the future of the municipality. “It is an initiative that goes beyond technical learning. It is a stimulus for local entrepreneurship, preparing residents to welcome tourists during COP 30 (world conference on climate change) and leaving a legacy of income generation for Colares families. Gratitude for believing in the potential of our people,” she declared.
The mayor of Colares, Maria Lucimar Barata, expressed “deep gratitude for the attentive look and commitment to the development of our municipality.” She highlighted the importance of the partnership with Senar for the course's realization. “It represents a qualification opportunity for our population. The Secretariat has always been present and active in actions that promote knowledge, income generation, and appreciation of our people. You are the protagonists of this transformation we desire for Colares.”
