Norberto Odebrecht Foundation launches institutional strengthening project with rural associations in Bahia’s Baixo Sul region

In September, the Norberto Odebrecht Foundation launched another initiative aimed at strengthening family farming and rural communities in the Baixo Sul region of Bahia. Representatives from the Sustainability and Internal Audit departments visited the Nova Esperança Association in Maraú and held a virtual meeting with the Quilombola Association of Riacho do Ouro in Taperoá.

These meetings marked the beginning of a partnership with the organizations, focused on institutional strengthening through improved internal management, documentation regularization, and qualification to expand participation in public food programs such as the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA). To support this, FNO will offer courses, consulting, and technical assistance, emphasizing the development of skills that promote greater autonomy, institutional credibility, and sustainable growth.

During the meetings, the initiative’s objectives, involved teams, and commitment terms were presented. Both participating associations include members and students from the Family Houses of Baixo Sul da Bahia, partner schools of the Foundation in implementing its social program, PDCIS.

More than administrative support, the project aims to increase the associations’ participation in sales channels, generating income for farming families and strengthening the role of family agriculture in regional development. Lourenço Francisco dos Santos, vice president of the Quilombola Association of Riacho do Ouro, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “I think it’s great, very interesting. We really need support. The Foundation will help us grow, because we need something that helps us rise little by little,” he said.

Wendy Wicks, a member of FNO’s Sustainability team, added why she considers the initiative extremely relevant for the institution: “The project will contribute to strengthening ties with associations in the territories where we operate, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development and productive inclusion of rural communities,” she stated.