UPRA strengthens sector development at the Peasant Summit Services fair

Bogotá D. C., (@Minagricultura, @UPRAColombia, @claudialili76). As part of the Peasant Summit held on August 29 and 30, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MinAgricultura) organized a peasant market and services fair in the central plaza of Fusagasugá, Cundinamarca. During the event, producers, farmers, and communities learned about the products and information systems offered by the Unit for Rural Agricultural Planning (UPRA) to promote the sustainable development of the sector.  

“These spaces are essential for strengthening the relationship between the State and Colombian farmers. Such meetings help stimulate the local economy and recognize the leading role that farmers and producers play in the agricultural development of the country. Through these initiatives, we bring our tools and knowledge closer to those who contribute daily to the growth of our rural areas,” said Claudia Cortés, Director of UPRA. 
 
The event aimed to stimulate the economy of Peasant, Family, and Community Agriculture (ACFC). In this context, UPRA presented the Collaborative Network of Agricultural Infrastructure (RECIA), a platform that promotes the individual and collective development of Colombia’s agricultural production chains. This project maps agricultural infrastructures to provide information that enables long-term, sustainable project planning, contributing to sectoral development. 
 
“For UPRA, it is crucial that farmers and producers have access to information systems like RECIA and SIPRA, which help them better understand their territories and make informed decisions about their productive projects. We are reaching out to the regions to ensure that these tools are accessible to everyone, enhancing sustainable planning and comprehensive development in the agricultural sector,” added Cortés. 
 
The residents of Fusagasugá also explored the Agricultural Planning Information System (SIPRA), accessing detailed information layers on soil aptitude, zoning, irrigation districts, and municipal production, among others. Additionally, the agricultural frontier of this municipality, which currently has 15,285 hectares suitable for national agricultural production, was discussed. 
 
In parallel, key data from the Characterization and Typification of Peasant, Family, and Community Agriculture with an Agro-Biocultural Focus was presented, a topic of great relevance at the Peasant Summit. This document is available for free download on UPRA's website. 
 
“UPRA made this document available to MinAgricultura and all affiliated and linked entities. It serves as a tool for public policy targeting, allowing us to quickly identify those who meet these characteristics and need state support. The four types of ACFC we identified measure the intensity of four variables: family consumption, market integration, technology use, and the use of external labor while maintaining family labor,” explained the UPRA director. 
 
Amid a variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, processed goods, crafts, and organic and healthy products brought by more than 30 associations of farmers and producers, the peasant market took place, providing a space for the commercialization of peasant products. 
 
“At this fair, we brought bananas, oranges, mandarins, papayas, quail eggs, native eggs, lemons, compost, curd, and butter. We are offering organic products, and we know that this benefits the health of the people of Fusagasugá and nearby municipalities,” said Alba Lucía Castellanos, representative of the Agro Espinalito Association, one of the associations invited to this important event. 
 
Finally, the UPRA director emphasized: “Our commitment is to continue working hand in hand with rural communities, providing innovative solutions that strengthen food security and promote a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector for all.”