Community residents explain the culture of açaí during the pilot test of the 12th Census of Agriculture, Forestry and Aquaculture in Barcarena (PA).

On Ilha das Onças, in Pará, the local economy remains strongly anchored in the production and distribution of açaí, an activity that mobilizes different workers and sustains the way of life of families in the region. The local community reported on how the farming occurs during the pilot test of the 12th Agricultural, Forestry and Aquaculture Census in Barcarena (PA).

Mauro, a boatman for years in the area, describes the recent transformations in the dynamics of transporting the fruit. According to him, the activity has undergone important changes with the specialization of functions along the production chain. "Before, we ourselves carried the products; today, we have specific people for that," he reports. For Mauro, açaí is the central axis of the local economy, responsible for generating income for families and guaranteeing their subsistence.

The harvesting of the fruit, however, follows its own calendar, directly linked to natural conditions. Leonardo, a resident of the island known as "Seu Léo," explains that the harvest hasn't started yet. "The açaí isn't ripe yet; harvesting only begins after July," he states, highlighting the waiting period that precedes the most intense phase of work.

Community leader Neide reinforces the importance of the fruit for the island's economic organization. According to her, the production is marketed through partnerships with intermediaries. "The fruits are taken to a partner who resells them. With the money we earn, we buy our food, clothes, in short, everything we need," she explains.

You can follow the days of activities on the News Agency, Census official website and on our social media: Instagram, Tik Tok and Facebook.