Bio-diversity

Solar dehydration of native tropical fruit and medicinal plants is developed in this project, with a reduction in the conventional industrialization processes in mind. The need for access to electric energy, wood or natural gas is not always feasible for small farmers, who will benefit directly from the implementation of this project. More value will be added to the finished product, since the shelf life of the medicinal plants and foods will be extended. Genetic, cultural and ecologic originality is offered. Small farmers will be trained in fruit and medicinal plant dehydration, generating employment and income, and adapting traditional knowledge to modern-day market and society demands. Management of native Cerrado species in agroforestry systems will thus be encouraged, recovering degraded areas in small and medium-sized rural properties. This should help to reduce the rural exodus in addition to conserving natural Cerrado biodiversity. 10 solar dehydration units, as well as a Chinese biodigestor will be built in this project.

Brazil