BAR
WOMEN OF THE FOREST
FRANCISCO SAKAGUCHI
REPRESENTATIVE PERSON
COMMUNITY/LOCATION
Tome-Açu - Pará
INSPIRATION / TEACHING PHRASE
I am a continuation of my father's legacy,
the intellectual mentor of the agroforestry system.
LINK WITH THE EARTH
“In natural agriculture, there is a great influence of nature on the flavor and aroma of fruits and, consequently, on the product of these fruits. Within a harmonious environment, you don't force anyone to produce anything, but let Nature follow its rhythm. Since I was a kid, my father asked me to do the cocoa fermentation process. Even so, I have a keen sensitivity, which I developed in practice, smelling, looking at the physical aspect of the cocoa, squeezing the almonds, looking, we develop these senses in a very peculiar way”.
“I was interested and curious about how to make chocolate and how the Cooperativa Mista de Agricultores de Tomé-Açú, CAMTA, of which I was the director, could enter that branch. But I didn't understand anything about chocolate or how to start trying a production. In 2012, I got to know César's work, we got closer, I ended up presenting our cocoa and he decided to make the chocolate. I thought it was great to see our family name on the De Mendes chocolate. It was always a cherished dream. Being a commercial partner of César's company is a great honor and a great portal for my products.
Concern/Threat: There are some people saying that Brazil's extensive agricultural system is a threat to the system, but that's just one point of view.
RELATIONSHIP WITH MENDES
CONTRIBUTION / TRANSFORMATION
“I feel like a continuation of a legacy my father left. The agroforestry system took root here in Tomé-Açú, farmers take care of their own land, but I believe that innovations within this production chain are yet to emerge here. Thinking about agriculture in general, in our country, I believe it is inevitable that people understand that the agroforestry system is the best way, especially for fruit growing”.
There are some people saying that Brazil's extensive agricultural system is a threat to the system, but that's just a point of view.
CONCERN/THREAT
dream/future
My dream is for Brazil to recognize the system as a permanent area of preservation or environmental reserve, so that our agriculture can go hand in hand with the system.