​Background

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When Luiza and Azerildo moved to Julio de Mesquita, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 9 years ago, they wanted to form a cooperative to address the following issues: the cost of processing milk and transporting milk to market. That was no easy task: the couple initially faced problems because of close-mindedness in the community. People were not willing to try new approaches like cooperatives, new fodder and working together. Due to their extreme diligence and hard work, they have since created a milk cooperative that jointly processes and sells milk, bringing additional income to the farmers in the region.



The Problem

Now, with the logistical problems of forming the milk cooperative behind them, Luiza and Azerildo, would like to address the issues of low milk production, the lack of shade for their dairy cows, and the protection of non-grazing areas for the cows.



The Solution

Through our partnership with Trees for the Future, we provided on-farm technical assistance through visits from the Brazil Field Representative Fernanda Peixoto and the South America Program Officer, Jeff Follett. Trees for the Future advised Luiza and Azerildo in the use of Leucaena and Moringa trees to address their issues with milk production, lack of shade, and protection of non-grazing areas. Leucaena provides fodder (food for animals), windbreaks, firewood and construction wood. Moringa is well-known for its nutritional values. In August, 2008, the couple started their first nursery with these two species, with seeds provided by Trees for the Future. In January 2009, Luiza and Azerildo transplanted the trees to the field, and since then have been protecting the seedlings.