Fucam and IEL partner to develop apiculture in Minas Gerais

The Fundação Educacional Caio Martins (Fucam) and the Instituto Euvaldo Lodi (IEL) have established a partnership to formalize and strengthen beekeeping activities in the Minas Gerais regions of Esmeraldas, Juvenília, and Riachinho.

The two-year initiative aims to support up to 60 beekeepers, allocating 20 producers to each city. The project focuses on transitioning local producers from informal operations to organized, collective entities such as cooperatives or associations. This transition is intended to improve market access and ensure legal and sanitary compliance.

The program consists of several stages: initial mapping and diagnostic visits, assistance with legal documentation and registration, technical training, and ensuring production meets regulatory and sanitary requirements. The final phase involves brand development to facilitate entry into supermarkets, e-commerce, and potential export markets.