Coopa Marks 65 Years and Highlights Milk’s Role

Coopa has completed 65 years of activity in Alto Paranaíba, a region that underwent agricultural expansion in the Cerrado from the 1970s. President Fausto recalled key stages in the cooperative’s history and described its involvement in initiatives connected with local farming.

Among the projects mentioned were the installation of a limestone mill and support for rural electrification. Fausto said Coopa followed the region’s agricultural transformation and took part in measures that supported the development of local farming and livestock production.

In dairy production, he highlighted the cooperative’s role in addressing what producers called the “excess milk” system. Under that arrangement, farmers received lower payments for output above the quota set for the dry season. Fausto said Coopa acted to defend the interests of its members in this dispute.

The cooperative’s development included a difficult period. At one point, Coopa had almost 3,000 members and annual revenue of more than R$300 million. It later underwent a restructuring process that included cuts to its workforce and a reduction in its assets.

Coopa now has about 1,300 members. That figure remains below its historical peak, while the cooperative has also recorded the return of producers and of members’ children to the organisation, according to Fausto.

The interview also addressed the final days of Fenicoopa 2026. Saturday’s programme includes a dairy-cattle auction. A thanksgiving mass is scheduled for Sunday at the Church of Saint Francis. The official closing is planned for Monday (7) at Rotary Club Brumado, with a performance by the duo Goiano and Paranaense, awards for the dairy tournament and a car draw.