Polo Agrícola Hortcanaã

The Polo Agrícola HortCanaã, located in Paço do Lumiar, Maranhão, Brazil, stands as a remarkable example of sustainable agriculture and community empowerment through agroecology. Established in 2009 as part of a resettlement program led by the energy company Eneva, the Polo was designed to create alternative income sources for families from Vila Nova Canaã. Spanning approximately 60 hectares, it has become a thriving hub for agroecological practices, focusing on environmentally responsible food production that strengthens local food security and promotes ecological balance.

Agroecology is at the heart of the Polo’s operations, with a strong emphasis on organic cultivation and sustainable land management. Over the years, the initiative has produced around 750 tons of organic food, including diverse fruits, vegetables, and notably, organic cocoa. In 2021, the Polo reached a significant milestone by producing Maranhão’s first 100% organic chocolate, positioning the state as a key player in Brazil’s organic cocoa market alongside Bahia and Pará. The integration of automated irrigation systems, greenhouses, and eco-friendly processing facilities supports these efforts, ensuring efficient resource use and minimal environmental impact.

Beyond production, the Polo Agrícola HortCanaã embodies the principles of agroecology through its commitment to social inclusion and community development. Its produce supplies local markets, supermarkets, and 29 schools in Paço do Lumiar through the National School Feeding Program, fostering healthy eating habits and supporting local economies. The Polo’s success has earned national and international recognition, including the Brazil Socioenvironmental Award in 2018 and an international Corporate Social Responsibility award in 2024. As a model of sustainable development, the Polo showcases how agroecological practices can drive both environmental resilience and social transformation.

The goals and dreams of the Polo Agrícola HortCanaã revolve around deepening its commitment to agroecology, expanding sustainable food production, and strengthening community resilience. The Polo aspires to become a leading reference in organic agriculture in Brazil, promoting ecological practices that restore soil health, conserve biodiversity, and reduce environmental impact. Its vision includes increasing the diversity and scale of organic crops, enhancing local food sovereignty, and creating more job opportunities for families in Vila Nova Canaã. Additionally, the Polo aims to expand its educational initiatives, sharing agroecological knowledge with new generations and inspiring other communities to adopt sustainable agricultural models rooted in environmental stewardship and social equity.