The farmers participating in our project with AES in Tietê, Brazil, are enjoying their very first agroforestry harvest! Silvia's agroforestry system in Dandara Rural Settlement is blooming with a vibrant array of veggies.

Silvia, pictured here with her mother Cícera, has been nurturing different types of pumpkins, green beans and peppers since she kickstarted her 0.5 ha agroforestry system back in December 2022, alongside fruit and native tree species.

Silvia's not just growing these veggies for herself – she's all about community and sustainability. She's shared her pumpkins with her neighbours, ensuring her family gets their fair share, and even keeping her pigs well-fed.

But that's not all! Silvia's entrepreneurial spirit shone as she sold 13 kg of veg, earning BRL 91 (that's approximately USD 19) in local markets.

Looking ahead, Silvia's got big plans. In 2024, she'll expand her pumpkin production, aiming to supply public institutions through a Brazilian policy that supports small farmers by providing food to schools, hospitals and prisons.

As her trees keep growing, Silvia's taking full advantage of her farm's potential to produce a bountiful harvest. We're thrilled to witness the incredible journey of her agroforestry system!