Are you familiar with the Social Forests Program, an initiative by Klabin to strengthen family farming? It is developed in partnership with Sebrae and the Association for Preservation of the Environment and Life (Apremavi) and is supported by the Santa Catarina State Agricultural Research Agency (Epagri) and the municipal governments. The initiative supports small and medium-sized farmers in adapting their properties to environmental legislation and in the production and commercialization of food. In Santa Catarina, the program covers the municipalities of Otacílio Costa, Correia Pinto, Lages, Palmeira, and Ponte Alta.

 

In Correia Pinto, Jaqueline and Sílvio Madruga are receiving support from the program to boost their business. In 2018, the couple created the Lingmone Defumados agribusiness to produce salamis and sausages from recipes inherited from Sílvio's great-grandfather, who was a pack trader. With the Social Forests, the family receives training to improve work planning, production, and product commercialization. “The training helps us improve our communication, sales, costs, and the way we serve the customer. It was a turning point," says Jaqueline. 

 

The couple sells the smoked products at local fairs, at the Lages Public Market, by order, and also showcases the products at the Social Forests fairs that take place once a month at the Klabin units in Correia Pinto and Otacílio Costa. "The fairs provide us with sales, new partnerships, and customers. "They show that we exist, that we produce a unique and healthier product," explains the owner of the company. 

 

The future has already begun 

 

Through the Social Forests, the entrepreneurs obtained a 50% subsidy on the costs of the Selo Arte process, a certificate that will allow the sale of the artisanal product throughout the country. Quite an opportunity for new achievements. "We hope that in five or ten years, Lingmone will continue to grow and generate jobs. Let us be recognized in the municipal, state, and national markets," emphasizes Sílvio Madruga.