Authorities from the Government of Minas Gerais (Brazil) and representatives from three projects supported by AL-INVEST Verde held a meeting to align efforts, identify opportunities for cooperation, and build common strategies to strengthen the sustainability of the coffee sector in Brazil.

During the meeting, proposals for coordination, the integration of ongoing initiatives and the role of the Selo Verde traceability platform as a key tool for demonstrating the environmental and social compliance of rural properties that produce were analysed. Coffees from the Volcanic Region of the Poços de Caldas Highlands, which contributes to the territorial valorisation of this product.

The meeting took place during International Coffee Week, held at the Expominas exhibition centre in Belo Horizonte from 11 to 13 November. The meeting was attended by João Ricardo Albanez, Deputy Secretary of the State Secretariat for Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Minas Gerais (Seapa); Ilma Correa, producer of coffees from the Volcanic Region of the Poços de Caldas Highlands (Brazil); Felipe Nunes, researcher and director of the Territorial Intelligence Centre (CIT) at UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais), which has developed the Selo Verde traceability platform; and representatives from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation.

Support for the coffee sector

Currently, AL-INVEST Verde promotes the value of Minas Gerais coffee through various initiatives. On the one hand, through the SeloVerdeMG platform, responsible for traceability of this product so that it can meet the requirements of the European Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR). AL-INVEST Verde promoted the implementation of this platform in the state of Minas Gerais and will support its expansion with new refinement and information modules — such as updating coffee batches and plantations — developed in conjunction with local producers and associations. At the same time, it supports the implementation of Selo Verde in the Brazilian states of Espírito Santo, Acre, Mato Grosso do Sul and Tocantins.

Furthermore, through the initiative AL-INVMentor, AL-INVEST Verde has taught  training workshops on geographical indications and intellectual property rights (IPR) to coffee producers in the Volcanic Region of the Poços de Caldas Highlands. This process has made it possible to create a distinctive label that will be incorporated into the SeloVerdeMG platform to contribute to the differentiation and positioning of the regional brand. This incorporation will function as a pilot project during 2026, making the Volcanic Region the first territory to validate the platform's new functionalities.

Finally, during International Coffee Week, the closing event of the Arabica-Canephora project, funded by AL INVEST Verde through the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. This project has aimed to promote a sustainable and deforestation-free coffee value chain in Brazil, favouring the connecting small producers and SMEs led by women with potential customers.