COLELS Marks 27 Years, 23 Under One President

COLELS, the Co-operative of Milk Producers of Laranjeiras do Sul, held an anniversary lunch on September 26 in the municipality. Members, their families, institutional partners and other guests attended the gathering.

The organisation was formed by milk producers, particularly family farmers, seeking improved conditions for selling their output and strengthening their activity. It continues to serve as a structure for organisation and marketing, allowing members to combine their efforts in managing production and maintaining their farms.

Lauro Shuster, who has led COLELS for 23 of its 27 years, said the presidency had been an honour. “Today I feel honoured to be presiding over this co-operative. I have been president for 23 years and am pleased to lead it alongside a very hardworking board, with everyone working as partners,” he said.

Shuster said the anniversary gathering also represented the unity built among the member families and the institutions that have accompanied the co-operative. He named Rádio Campo Aberto, Sicredi, the municipal government and the Municipal Agriculture Secretariat among its partners.

“It is an honour to welcome partners who have been with us throughout this journey,” Shuster said. He also thanked Vice-Mayor Ademilson Morais, known as Bico, representatives of partner institutions, co-operative members and their families for attending.

The co-operative’s activity affects the local economy beyond the farms, according to the report. Income generated through milk production circulates through shops and services in Laranjeiras do Sul and the surrounding region, while dairy farming provides income for families that remain in the sector.

The anniversary was presented as part of a history based on co-operation and collective organisation. The gathering marked COLELS’s role in helping member families address challenges in the dairy chain, continue farming and contribute to regional economic activity.