0
Acre will be present at one of the biggest events in the country’s coffee sector, the International Coffee Week (SIC), which will be held between the 5th and 7th of September, in Belo Horizonte (MG). Producer Jorge Souza, responsible for special coffee Forest Rootswas confirmed as one of the speakers at the event and will bring the experience of sustainable coffee farming developed within the Chico Mendes Reserve.
Jorge Souza produces coffee within the Chico Mendes Reserve and uses techniques aimed at sustainability/Photo: Provided
With the theme “Coffee and bioeconomy: new ways to generate value with sustainability”, Jorge’s talk, scheduled for Thursday (6), will address how coffee production can incorporate sustainable practices and promote environmental preservation. “When I decided that I wanted to work with coffee, I started studying. Our work has been consolidated every year. In our first harvest, we were able to export to the United States and China. As we are within the reserve, we need to follow the tripod of sustainability, combining the environmental, economic and social aspects”, stated the producer.
Jorge and his wife started growing specialty coffee in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, the couple has planted one hectare per year, recovering degraded areas and strengthening sustainable cultivation within the forest. The work of the producer from Acre has attracted attention due to its combination of innovation, environmental responsibility and appreciation of local communities.
Participation in SIC, according to Jorge, is an opportunity to show that it is possible to combine productivity and preservation. “With the talk at SIC, I hope to inspire people inside and outside the country, showing that it is possible to produce with quality, without compromising care for the environment. I usually say that I am from Acre with a cracked foot. For me, it is a great satisfaction to carry the name of my product, my brand and my state, and talk about a history that is being built, a legacy that I will certainly leave for the next generations”, he said.
Acre has been standing out on the national coffee growing scene, with producers gaining visibility for the quality and sustainability of the beans. The State Department of Agriculture (Seagri) has worked to ensure that coffee farmers in Acre are recognized and valued for the work they do. To facilitate participation in International Coffee Week, the state government signed a partnership with the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), strengthening the role of local producers in national events.
Jorge hopes to be a mirror for other grain producers in the state/Photo: Reproduction
“In 2024, we had the pleasure of participating in SIC as well and were among the 20 best cafes in Brazil. I hope, this year, to learn even more, participate in some debates and, above all, learn from the people who actually live this wonderful culture”, added Jorge.
During the three days of International Coffee Week programming, the public will be able to attend lectures, workshops, business rounds and quality competitions that highlight the potential and diversity of Brazilian coffee farming. The agenda also includes discussions on sustainability, technology, exports and strategies for enhancing the national product.
