In Machadinho (RS), producers combine erva-mate cultivation with beekeeping and…

In Machadinho (RS), producers combine erva-mate cultivation with beekeeping and meliponiculture, enhancing family farming income while linking revenue generation, pollination, and biodiversity conservation in the region. The area features erva-mate fields alongside native trees, eucalyptus, and bee hives, integrating economic activity with natural landscape preservation.

Erva-mate, a traditional crop and the base for chimarrão, is culturally significant in Rio Grande do Sul. The region's production is linked to the Indication of Origin "Erva-Mate Região de Machadinho," which sets standards for product origin and quality. In 2023, erva-mate was recognized as intangible cultural heritage of the state, highlighting its role in local identity and economy.