A major focus is on improving the quality of life of small-scale farmers, and giving them fair access to markets. We also lobby the government and official bodies to enforce of the rights and interests of small producers.

One such project aims to give farmers who live in five states in the semi-arid Northeast Brazil - the poorest in the country – the means to grow more and get a better price for their produce in local markets.

The project provides 380 farming families with the appropriate seeds, tools and equipment for growing in semi-arid areas. In addition, almost 1,000 farmers receive training in preparing eco-friendly, natural fertilizers. They also get advice on using simple technology to catch and save rainwater for irrigating their food crops and medicinal herbs, the excess of which is sold in local markets.

Local seeds banks were also established in order to maintain the natural biodiversity, particularly amongst drought-resistant specimens, and to provide farmers with seeds for planting even after a drought season.

Around 5,250 people from 35 rural communities, benefited as a result of this project in terms of having a more secure food supply, and increased income thanks to improved productivity.