Emater holds Regional Seminar on Technical Assistance and Rural Extension in Santarém
The meeting discussed sustainable agriculture as an alternative for generating income, employment, and climate justice in Lower Amazon
The Government of Pará, through the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the State of Pará (Emater-Pará), held the Regional Seminar on Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (Ater) on August 25 and 26 in Santarém, with the theme "Sustainable Agriculture as an Alternative for Generating Employment, Income, and Climate Justice." The event brought together extension workers, family farmers, community leaders, and local partners at the Auditorium of the Regional Government Center of Santarém.
Santarém, known as the "Pearl of Tapajós," has agriculture as one of its main economic bases, with a focus on the production of cassava, corn, and soybeans. However, some of these activities have environmental impacts that require new development strategies.
“We need a more sustainable way of agricultural production in this region to avoid the loss of resources for many families, especially family farmers and traditional peoples and communities, such as indigenous peoples, who are more vulnerable to climate change and rely on these activities for their families' livelihoods,” emphasized the technical coordinator of Emater.
Lectures and debates
The opening was conducted by the extension worker and supervisor of the Tapajós Regional Office, Ubiratan Pina, who highlighted the importance of Ater for strengthening sustainable agriculture.
“This seminar is very important because it is being held in each region. This way, we can get an idea of the diversity of the productive chains in each region of our state and understand the peculiarities that we need to consider during each event,” he stated.
Next, the extension worker and head of the Emater office in Placas, Edmilson Matos, addressed the economic, social, and environmental potential of cocoa cultivation. The head of the Mojuí dos Campos office, Marcelo Janes, presented experiences in agro-industry focused on family agriculture.
“Family agriculture is synonymous with sustainable practices, using renewable energies, waste management, and production that contributes to environmental preservation. Ater is essential for strengthening family agriculture and also for agro-industrialization, helping families improve their incomes and live with more dignity,” he emphasized.
Recognition and planning
On the first day, the president of Emater-Pará, Joniel Abreu, presented certificates of recognition to extension workers and partners who work for sustainability and environmental preservation through technical assistance and rural extension.
On the second day of the seminar, extension worker Adda Silva presented evaluations of the activities and the annual planning of the institution, focusing on administrative and strategic aspects for 2025.
Regional support
The event was coordinated by the Local Office of Santarém, with support from the Tapajós Regional Office and the Local Office of Placas, strengthening the integration between units and valuing network work.
