Grupo de Intercâmbio em Agroecologia - GIAS

The Agroecology Network of the State of Mato Grosso is part of the Agroecology Exchange Group (GIAS).

GIAS brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including associative or cooperative groups of family farmers, peasants, and agrarian reform settlers; educational institutions; traditional, quilombola, and Indigenous communities; as well as socio-environmental organizations and technical assistance groups. This diversity strengthens the network’s ability to address social, cultural, and environmental challenges through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

One of the key initiatives of the Agroecology Network of Mato Grosso is the Traditional Seed Exchange Network, which has already distributed more than 2,500 kilograms of traditional, pesticide-free seeds and seedlings to 40 communities across the state. This project is rooted in the principles of food sovereignty and biodiversity conservation, ensuring that seeds remain a shared and living heritage of the communities that cultivate them.

The network's primary goal is to establish and strengthen seed banks, promote agroecology, and foster the sustainable production of healthy organic foods. By empowering local communities and embracing sustainable practices, the Agroecology Network seeks to create a resilient and just food system, rooted in ecological balance and cultural respect.

The Agroecology Network of Mato Grosso aims to empower communities by promoting the establishment of seed banks, strengthening agroecological practices, and fostering the sustainable production of healthy organic foods. Through these efforts, the network seeks to preserve biodiversity, enhance food sovereignty, and build a more equitable and resilient food system that respects cultural traditions and ecological balance.