Towards improved working conditions
Since 2001, major work has been carried out to regenerate Planta d’Apote. The initial aim was to improve the conditions in which the products are processed to achieve increased productivity. The material processing buildings have been extended and refurbished and this work is now coming to an end. In order to reduce construction costs, some members of Coraca Protal volunteered to help with the works, providing their services free-of-charge. New buildings are being designed and are scheduled to be constructed later, as soon as Coraca Protal has collected sufficient funds. The association hopes to finish within four months the installation of dormitories, showers and sanitary facilities so that farmers who arrive with their produce can have accommodation and also a place to meet and receive training. This hostel will be able to accommodate around forty people. Justinio, the President of Coraca Protal explains, "members of the farming communities travel many kilometres to deliver their produce, which is often carried by mule, and the least we can do is to provide decent accommodation, so that they can rest before they set off again."
More training for the farming communities
The project does not stop there. Small-scale farmers can also use the premises to organise meetings, workshops and conventions and also to hold training courses. In addition to dormitories, it is planned to construct a conference room with a library, so that training courses can be held, which could cover subjects such as responsible tourism and sustainable development. It is also planned to host farming community conventions at departmental and national level. The aim of all this is to improve the quality of life of the farmers and their communities by providing intellectual and cultural stimulus as a result of these training projects. This is also the objective of the economic organisations whose intent is to achieve self-sufficiency and make the farming communities more independent. And in order to achieve this independence, they must no longer be considered as mere producers, but they must develop skills in their sectors and exercise their rights as citizens. This is also a way of enabling them to assume their responsibilities and to "associate theory and practice", as Justinio points out.
The Planta d’Apote regeneration process is now well on its way, but still requires more funding. Nevertheless, everyone is optimistic about the success of this project which, in the long term, will considerably improve the lives and the work of the farming communities.
