In light of the local reality, FUNDAG developed a project to conduct agronomic trials of rice cultivars, including “agulhinha” and special rice varieties, under agroecological production systems, organic farming, and biodynamic agriculture, in both floodplain and elevated areas, integrating other food crops such as beans, cassava, and sweet potatoes. The activities take place in the Phytotechny Sector of APTA Regional in Pindamonhangaba, on an area of approximately 20 hectares that has been certified organic since 2020.

Since the second half of 2023, various materials and cultivars have been tested in partnership with local organic farmer cooperatives to evaluate which ones perform best under biodynamic agricultural conditions in the region.

Even with the climatic challenges that have surprised producers across the country with uncertainty about next year’s harvest, the project is making significant progress since the planting phase, field organization, restructuring of the processing system, and training specialized labor.