The role of university extension in the establishment of Raizes da Mata network

Abstract

Raizes da Mata Network was created in Viçosa in 2011, purposing to approximate agroecological
producers and consumers, and making possible the commercialization of products without
pesticides. The establishment of Raizes da Mata was supported by CTA, ITCP and university
extension projects of UFV. Based on semi-estructural interviews, this paper analyzes the contribution
of extension projects in Raizes da Mata performance, as well as the possibilities and
challenges of this enterprise. Such as an university extension project, Raizes da Mata was the
first experience to constantly provide Viçosa consumers access to agroecological products
in the region and encouraged the emergence of new experiences in other municipalities and
Viçosa too. It is a successful project, but needs to overcome some challenges, such as the
central role played by students in this organization and the fragility of institutional recognition
within the university.