The perennial pastures dairies project consists in developing dairy farming by restructuring the pastures system – setting up fences and planting perennial grass for summer and pasture overseeding in the winter. In partnership with the Machadinho Consortium, which is responsible for the namesake hydroelectric plant, with a 19.3% ENGIE stake, the project was implemented to serve 12 dairy farmers in the municipality of Zortéa and another 60 in Piratuba, both in the state of Santa Catarina. The new system reduces labor requirements, costs and erosion, resulting in improved productivity and increased household income.

Objectives

• To develop dairy farming by means of the use of sustainable production systems to reduce costs, increase income and profitability, and preserve the environment; and
• Consequently, providing improved living standards for family farmers.

Results
Annual income for 72 farmers and their families in the two municipalities up by 30% to 40% from 2013 to 2015.