Itaipu expands its agroecology technology showcase to three regions of Paraná.
Partnership with IDR-PR will bring sustainable technologies to farmers and academics, expanding organic production and the use of ecological practices in the field.
247 - Itaipu Binacional has signed an agreement with the Paraná Rural Development Institute (IDR-PR) to expand the experience of the Agroecology Technological Showcase (Vital) to various regions of the state. The investment, of R$ 9,5 million, will allow the sustainable technologies presented annually at the Show Rural Coopavel, in Cascavel, to be continuously disseminated in the West, Southwest and Northwest of Paraná.
Valid for three years, the contract provides for the maintenance of the Showcase in Cascavel throughout the year and the creation of demonstration spaces in IDR-PR units in the municipalities of Santa Tereza do Oeste, Santa Helena, Palotina, Pato Branco and Paranavaí. In Foz do Iguaçu, the service will be provided at the Itaipu Binacional's own plant nursery.
The manager of Itaipu's Environmental Action Division, Ronaldo Pavlak, highlighted that the initiative fulfills a long-standing demand from the organizers of the Agroecology Technological Showcase. “We carry out maintenance, including planting, soil conservation, and other interventions. We intensify this in August to be ready for February. And it's only used for five days,” he explained. “Now, with this agreement, we will have the opportunity to use the Show Rural Coopavel space year-round, in addition to taking the technologies to other locations, working with farmers, providing technical assistance, and reaching an even larger audience.”
During the Show Rural, the Technological Showcase receives a diverse audience, ranging from small producers to agroecology enthusiasts and fair visitors. With the expansion of the project, the expectation is to continuously serve a more specialized audience, such as rural producers and academics interested in deepening their knowledge of sustainable farming techniques.
The central objective of the agreement is to strengthen the production and market of certified organic products and medicinal plants, promoting agricultural practices that minimize environmental impacts and preserve natural resources such as soil and water. The spaces will also be used for training farmers and technicians, offering training and demonstrations on sustainable technologies applied to agroecology.