Originating from the Amazon, cupuaçu harvested by the Associação de Mulheres Trabalhadoras Rurais do Município de Belterra (Pará State), is planted in an Agroforestry System. Based on the region people’s ancestral knowledge, cupuaçu beans are treated in a traditional way.
Cupuaçu beans, of the highest quality, are harvested on small forest islands, amid large soybean plantations. From their productive backyards, these women symbolize female creative power and resistance to social and environmental pressures.
“We, women rural workers, came together to be a beautiful brand, a slogan, to publicize our work. Hence the name: AMA of loving, women, and BELA of Belterra, of beauty. Love and beauty, in a very recognized work”, explains Selma Ferreira da Costa.
The group came together around common issues, such as female empowerment and workers' rights, and is maintained by selling surpluses from agroforestry production.
Credits: Personal Collection
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT The commercialization of cupuaçu beans is just one of AMABELA's activities. Aware of its role, the association aims to raise awareness and positively impact the local community, strengthening the financial independence, freedom of thought and action of rural workers.
