Balance and harmony are the key words when the subject is the environment. Thinking of ways to combine sustainability and profitability, one of the largest agricultural cooperatives in the country, Cocamar, from Paraná, saw more than two decades ago the importance of combining productivity with socio-environmental responsibility. Since then, it has developed projects in the area that have guaranteed national and international recognition in the sustainability market.

Among the initiatives developed by Cocamar, the integration of crop-livestock-forest (iLPF) stands out – a strategy that uses different production systems within the same area to prevent soil exhaustion and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere. In addition, the diversity of production increases the financial security of the cooperative members, who now count on not just one, but several sources of income that complement each other throughout the year.

Implemented by 220 members on 210 hectares, the cooperative’s iLPF model has proven that soy, cattle, and eucalyptus can live together in harmony in the field. The planting helps to “reform” the degraded soil and provides high quality winter pasture at a critical time for the producer with the arrival of the cold weather. The results are amazing!

In the region where Cocamar operates (mainly the northwestern region of Paraná), the integration process has helped with soil correction, liming and fertilization. On the properties that adhered to the program, the average production is 45 soybean bags per hectare and an additional 8 arrobas during the grazing period – a composition that can increase the property’s income tenfold.

To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the project, Cocamar has a team of highly trained agronomists to provide technical advice to cooperative members. They help these producers understand how soybean planting – the main crop used in the region – can increase and enhance the productivity of their land without affecting the environment. Not to mention that integration promotes the diversification of the economic activities on the property and minimizes the risks of income frustration due to weather events or market condition