EN 
PT_BR 
On National Forest Protection Day, the Mato Grosso Soybean and Corn Producers Association (Aprosoja MT) highlights the work of those who defend native vegetation against fire during the dry season and produce responsibly.
During droughts, the risk of forest fires increases dramatically in Mato Grosso. In this scenario, soybean and corn producers have stood out as allies in fire prevention and control. Through actions such as building firebreaks, forming fire brigades, maintaining equipment, and training teams, they help protect not only their properties but also conservation areas and native forests.
For the vice-president of Aprosoja MT, Luiz Pedro Bier, the role of rural producers is fundamental in environmental preservation.
"Rural producers are the true guardians of Brazil's forests. Most of them are protected and preserved on private property, and despite common sense, especially among the urban population, rural producers today preserve a large portion of Brazil's forests through their legal reserves and permanent preservation areas. This is a source of great pride for the Brazilian production sector, being able to contribute to the environment and to all of nature," says Bier.
According to the vice president, the entity plays an essential role in this process, promoting educational campaigns and coordinating actions with the Fire Department and other institutions.
"Mato Grosso producers, in addition to preserving much of the state's intact forests, are often also responsible for fighting fires, which put the forests and their own production at risk. Aprosoja MT does not shy away from this social and environmental role played by rural producers. That's why we launch an annual campaign against fires. We know it's not the sole responsibility of producers, but they have been working hard to combat fires, both on their properties and in the state's legal reserves," Bier emphasizes.
During the dry season, Aprosoja MT intensifies fire prevention and control efforts, distributing leaflets with instructions for producers on how to prepare and respond during the dry months. The organization also participates in the State Fire Management Committee (CEGF), in partnership with several public agencies and institutions that coordinate fire response efforts.
Jaqueline Piovezan, the delegate of the Arinos Valley branch, reports that last year, a fire hit her property in the municipality of Juara, and she relied on the support of her neighbors to fight the blaze, as the nearest fire department is in Juína, about 200 km away. According to her, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Guide developed by Aprosoja MT is a valuable tool that helps producers in these critical times.
"As a member of Aprosoja MT and having already had contact with this topic, in addition to seeking training, I was already prepared. Therefore, it's crucial that the institution provides this guidance so we can carry out preventative work. The booklets provide guidance on what to look for, what equipment should be available on the farm, how to obtain training, and more. It's a way to execute these actions in a planned, organized, structured, and certainly more efficient manner," says the producer.
Preventing and fighting fires, according to Rafael Krzyzanski, the coordinating delegate of the Sorriso unit, is one of the ways rural producers can preserve nature and protect their livelihoods.
"The producer is a key guardian against wildfires. The first thing we must consider is that they are economic agents and need to protect their property, as any accidental fire can cause significant damage. This demonstrates that the producer is, in fact, an agent of environmental protection, as it would be contrary to their economic interests not to have the means to control fires or prevent these types of incidents," explains Krzyzanski.
On this National Forest Protection Day, Aprosoja MT recognizes the leading role of rural producers who, with responsibility and commitment, work towards environmental preservation. Their actions demonstrate that agricultural production and conservation can go hand in hand, promoting sustainable development and protecting our natural resources for future generations.
