October 2008.

Even if the Garden Centre is the most important program of Coopfam, it is not a reality yet. The co-op already estimated the cost of the building, the program is supported by the Government Agricultural Bodies and the Agrotechnical schools of the area, there is even well trained staff to employ. Only the land is still missing. The Garden Centre will improve the quality of agriculture in its area because the people working there will grow a more resistant coffee and some seedlings to increase plantations’ biological diversity and help organic farming, a method more and more widespread in Poço Fundo.

December 2008.

First step! The São Francisco Parish, by Father João Bosco Freitas and Father Fabiano Pereira, has just decided to let to Coopfam the land for the Garden Centre for a period of 7 years. The Garden will be partly enclosed with the help of Sant’Eustachio Benefits. Since the Garden will be located in front of the village school, it will be easier for the children involved in the programs to reach it. With the Garden Centre, the kids will have the opportunity to get a professional qualification as Agrotechnicians and after learning the job they will be able to work and earn a little wage.