EN 
PT_BR 
The life story of 69-year-old Inez Catelan Lazarotto is marked by courage, hard work, and resilience. A farmer from the municipality of Tapurah, she built not just a rural property in the countryside, but a family legacy that spans generations.
The rural producer arrived in Mato Grosso as a young woman in the 1970s, accompanying her husband. The couple initially came to Sorriso, where he, along with an uncle, had already begun establishing the family farm. Married for only a few years, Inês saw her life take an unexpected turn when, in 1981, her husband suffered a heart attack. As a result, she had to return to Rio Grande do Sul with her young children.
Years later, when her son João Luiz turned 18, the farmer decided to return to Mato Grosso to take over part of the family property, the result of a family partnership. The definitive return happened in 2002. At the time, the reality was challenging: only 300 hectares cleared, no machinery, little financial resources, and virtually nonexistent infrastructure.
“We didn’t have machinery, we didn’t have money, we didn’t have a name, we only had the land. It was all dirt roads, there was no asphalt or electricity. The market was precarious, but since we didn’t have much money, we were content with what we had. We saved, we raised pigs, chickens, all that to have something to eat,” says Inez.
The work was intense. There was a shortage of labor, machinery was scarce, and the tasks required collective effort. "We didn't have much machinery either. Even the first tractor, it was my brother who bought it and gave it to us. Oh, what joy when we received that tractor," recalls the rural producer.
Over the years, the property grew, and so did the family. From 300 hectares, the area was expanded, always with much sacrifice and dedication. In 2013, the arrival of more family support further strengthened the work, allowing for new investments and expansion of agricultural activity.
Today, Inez says she feels fulfilled. A mother and grandmother of seven, she celebrates the unity of her family in the countryside. “I already have seven grandchildren, the youngest is just a few months old. It’s very gratifying to see all my children here with me, together, supporting me, helping me with everything, even through difficulties. When we cry, we cry together; when we fight, we fight together, but in the end, everything works out,” says Inez emotionally about her family.
The producer also highlights the role of Aprosoja Mato Grosso in representing producers; for her, the association is fundamental in defending rural producers and strengthening agricultural activity in Mato Grosso. "Aprosoja MT represents us as producers, helps us, supports us, and represents us in the parliamentary group. They are helping us a lot now and I think they will continue to help us as well," she concludes.
In the end, Inez Catelan Lazarotto is proud of her journey and everything she went through to get where she is today. “I am proud to be a rural producer. I went through a lot, I suffered, I cried, but today I only want joy with my children. I am grateful to God for everything we have built,” she concludes.
