São Paulo institute connects farmers to health-conscious consumers
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In São Paulo, Brazil, the Instituto Baru brings fresh, healthy food directly from small farmers to consumers.
The institute began in 2018 as an initiative by parents at a public school who wanted access to healthier products. Over time, it has grown into a well-known resource for the community. Engineer Vanderlei Garcia explained he chooses to shop at Baru because of the reasonable prices on produce, especially compared to other stores.
Edgard Galvão, an associate at the institute, noted they source products from across Brazil, including coffee from the Amazon and baru nuts from the Cerrado region. Instituto Baru also supports the preservation of traditional farming knowledge. Producer Lia Gois de Moura, whose mother is Indigenous, uses natural pest control methods like wormwood and garlic sprays, and companion planting with cilantro and kale. The institute connects these small producers who are shifting towards organic methods.
Everton Bezerra de Oliveira, from Instituto Terra Viva, emphasized that farmers increasingly understand the harm pesticides cause both to consumers and themselves. At the institute, customers see the price set by the producer and can voluntarily contribute 35% of their purchase to support the institute’s operations. Juliana Mari Giovanardi, one of the founders, hopes to expand the Baru into a cultural center with music, art, and wellness activities.
