Financial cooperativism boosts rural economies

The cooperative model also sets itself apart in times of crisis. While traditional banks follow rigid policies, cooperatives offer personalized solutions, flexible renegotiations, and support to help producers overcome droughts, crop failures, or indebtedness, contributing to the regional economy. “Because they are non-profit institutions, credit cooperatives put the development of the member and the community first. The result is more accessible credit, adapted to the local reality and aimed at sustainable growth,” says lawyer Adhemar Michelin Filho, a partner at Michelin Sociedade de Advogados. In recent years, the sector has invested in innovation and digitalization. Many cooperatives provide applications and digital platforms, bringing complete financial services to producers in remote areas. In addition, there is an increase in programs to encourage environmental practices, with specific credit lines for solar energy, biogas, efficient irrigation, waste management, and ...