The Balsas region is located in the south of Maranhão, in the Cerrado biome. Most of Brazil’s production of grains and fibers originates in this region that makes up one of the largest agricultural frontiers, the MATOPIBA. The main production chain in the region is soybeans, being one of the largest grain producers in the North and Northeast with strong mechanization. Therefore, having a territorial strategy has become a crucial issue.
The PCI Compact of the Balsas Region-MA was launched in 2020. It is a long-term development plan with targets comprising production, conservation, and inclusion. The main objective is to support 12 municipalities into a key sustainable sourcing area for grains and family agriculture products, generating development through the engagement of both public and private local and state actors committed to time-bound targets for implementation.
The Compact itself is made up of 37 signatories from the public sector (state and local), private sector, and civil society. The partnership is committed to the transition to the production of sustainable commodities, reconciling the conservation of native vegetation and the inclusion of smallholders and family farmers in order to reduce inequalities. This cooperation will support farmers and traders growing responsible commodities in the region and help to develop a jurisdictional market approach to move towards 100% responsible production.
Balsas Region PCI Compact Goals
PRODUCE
The Balsas Region Compact aims to increase cotton production and the area of RTRS certified soy, Soy Plus, and other quality standards. It is also a goal, to increase the diversification of adapted crops and the animal genetics and fodder in the production areas with a system (ILP / ILPF).
CONSERVE
The Balsas Region Compact will also focus on conservation. The main goals are: the reduction of illegal deforestation and of fires, implementation of Payment for Environmental Projects, the development and enhancement of ecological tourism in the Chapada das Mesas, supporting cities, communities, archaeological sites, and rural properties. Aiming to register up to 100% of rural properties at SICAR and encourage correct disposal of waste.
INCLUDE
Inclusion is a critical element of the PCI strategy in the Balsas Region. The Compact will include smallholders through its plans to increase ATER in family agriculture, promote land regularization, increase milk, cassava, cowpea, rice, corn, sheep, and goat production. It also is a goal, creates one program to promote the inclusion of women, traditional peoples, and communities in activities related to crafts and other regional development
Compact Signatories
Related News
Publications
| Title | Type | Year | Regions | TAF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Termo de Referência Implementação do Centro de Atendimento ao Produtor (CAP) na região do Sertão do Pajeú – Pernambuco/Brasil | Terms of Reference | 2024 | Latin American | - |
| Termo de Referência Implementação do Centro de Atendimento ao Produtor (CAP) na região do Sertão do Cariri Ocidental – Paraíba/Brasil | Terms of Reference | 2024 | Latin American | - |
| Termo de Referência: Implementação do Centro de Atendimento ao Produtor (CAP) na região do Sertão do Apodi – Rio Grande do Norte/Brasil | Terms of Reference | 2024 | Latin American | - |
| Terms of Reference – Senior Investment Specialist – Landscapes Brazil | Terms of Reference | 2024 | Latin American | Agri3, Landscapes Program |
| European Soy Monitor 2021 | Report | 2023 | Europe | Landscapes Program |
| SDM Case Study: Griffin Services, Zambia | Report | 2023 | - | - |
No publications found.