THE CONTRIBUTION OF COOPERATIVES TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

Agricultural cooperatives in Paraná are driving forces behind Brazilian agribusiness and are characterized by their promotion of innovation. In addition to investments in industrialization, there is a growing focus on technologies such as precision agriculture, improvement of zootechnical indexes in pig farming, poultry farming and milk production, process automation, and the use of renewable energy, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The regions served by agricultural cooperatives stand out for their level of development, with the generation of jobs for residents both directly in the cooperatives and in general commerce, becoming reference centers for agricultural and livestock production. Of the 62 agricultural cooperatives in the state, 20 are located in the Center-South, 18 in the Northwest, 12 in the West, 8 in the Southwest, and 4 in the North. The sector is constantly consolidating itself for future challenges, continuing its sustainable growth, and thus Paraná stands out as a center of excellence in national agricultural cooperatives. International reports show that eleven cooperatives in Paraná linked to the agro-industrial sector are among the largest in the world in terms of revenue, but without losing sight of their social values.