Gelado Environmental Protection Area Knowledge Center, the first rural center in Vale’s Knowledge Center program, was officially opened on 2 September. Located in Parauapebas municipality in the state of Pará, the center was built in a village of around 120 farming families.
In order to spread modern agricultural production techniques, an agricultural technical school is being established to provide practical information on dairy farming, poultry farming, beekeeping and fruit and vegetable growing.
The main distinctive feature of this Knowledge Center is the level of support given to local producers’ activities. Community Production Support Centers are being created, where families will be organized into work groups. The aim of these centers is to facilitate the provision of technical assistance to small producers and the delivery of output, improving the whole process.
Like Tucumã Knowledge Center, the station in Igarapé Gelado will offer professional education courses in areas such as carpentry and construction, as well as sports and cultural activities.