Forestry Partners Program (PPF) was established in 2003 aimed at spreading wood production among farmers in the region. The program is an alternative land usage to generate income for the owners. The project also reduces the need for the company to acquire new land for eucalyptus plantation because it enables third parties to produce wood to feed the mill.

The adopted model professes the multiple use of rural property. All forestry operations are financed and, as an incentive, all shoots, ant baits, fertilizers, Hydrogel and technical assistance are supplied for project implementation and maintenance.

There is also concern about environmental preservation in the forest partners’ properties. Their contracts with Veracel are only signed after the due environmental licensing of their properties, and include clauses to ensure the fulfillment of the environmental law. In addition, the program donates native seedlings for partners interested in reclaiming Permanent Protection Areas and Legal Reserves in their properties, as well as information material to guide the producer on existing environmental laws. Only this year, by October, the company had donated over 34 thousand seedlings of local native species, acquired by Veracel from third parties’ nurseries and given to producers.

In October 2009, planted area totaled 20,286 hectares, with 136 signed contracts and 106 farmers benefited in a number of municipalities participating in the program. The target is 20% of the mill’s wood demand to be supplied from partnerships with producers in the region. In 2010, harvest will start for the first contracts entered, thus generating additional jobs and income in the region.

In addition to guaranteed acquisition of 97% of the wood produced, producers are entitled to sell the remaining 3% to the market, as firewood, timber for sawmills, fence posts, stakes, charcoal and other purposes, therefore increasing the usage of reforested wood and reducing consumption of native wood, which is largely used now in craftsmanship, bakeries and pizza parlors in the region.

Therefore, in addition to generating alternative sources of income and keeping producers in the field, the program adds dignity by providing them with the opportunity to join a strong and global supply chain, while facilitating production and ensuring the purchase of their wood.

For additional information on Veracel's Forestry Producer Program, please contact us by telephone (73) 3166-1516, or in the website’s link Contact us.