Known affectionately as “Velho Chico,” this great river has long sustained the people and landscapes of Bahia, weaving together centuries of culture, agriculture, and environmental transformation. For Peirot, whose farm sits along its banks, the Rio São Francisco is not only a source of water but a deep connection to the roots of Brazilian agricultural heritage.
A River of Historical Importance
The Rio São Francisco stretches over 2,900 kilometers, originating in the state of Minas Gerais and flowing through Bahia before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. Since colonial times, the river has served as a major transportation route and source of irrigation, linking the interior of Brazil with the coastal regions.
Its basin has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia—communities whose cultures, traditions, and livelihoods have always been deeply tied to the rhythms of the river. The Rio São Francisco sustained their fishing, farming, and spiritual practices, serving as both a provider and a sacred space.
With the arrival of Portuguese colonizers, however, the river took on a new and complex role. While it continued to support life in the region, it also became a vehicle for colonial expansion, conquest, and exploitation. The Portuguese used the São Francisco to penetrate deeper into the Brazilian interior, establishing trade routes, transporting goods, and seizing land. This expansion often came at the expense of Indigenous communities, whose lands were taken and whose ways of life were disrupted or destroyed.
Today, this history reminds us of the importance of honoring the river not only as a resource, but as a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity. As stewards of the land, we recognize both the benefits and the burdens of this legacy and are committed to supporting a future that respects and protects the communities and ecosystems that the river has nourished for generations.
Sustaining Agriculture in Semi-Arid Bahia
For regions like western Bahia, where rainfall can be sparse and irregular, the Rio São Francisco is a lifeline. At Peirot, the river flows directly through the center of our farm, enabling sustainable irrigation practices that allow us to grow cacao and coconuts in a challenging climate.
With the help of advanced irrigation infrastructure powered by solar energy, we draw water from the São Francisco to nourish our crops while minimizing waste. This is part of our broader commitment to climate resilience and sustainable farming. The river allows us to implement intelligent irrigation systems that optimize water usage based on real-time soil and climate data.
A Symbol of Renewal and Responsibility
The Rio São Francisco also represents our responsibility to protect and restore the environment. Like many rivers around the world, it faces threats from pollution, deforestation, and overuse. At Peirot, we are committed to using its water responsibly, supporting local biodiversity, and maintaining riparian zones to ensure the river continues to support future generations.
A Community Committed to Preserving the Power of the River
Peirot is proud to be part of a broader regional community that values the Rio São Francisco as a shared resource and a force for good. We align our work with initiatives such as the Comitê da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio São Francisco (CBHSF), which brings together local stakeholders to manage water use, promote environmental restoration, and educate communities about conservation.
We also collaborate with local technical institutions and agricultural cooperatives in Bahia to implement water-smart farming solutions and support smallholder resilience. By working together, we are helping to ensure the São Francisco continues to provide life, opportunity, and balance to the region—just as it has for centuries.
Honoring Bahia’s Agricultural Past and Future
Bahia’s identity has always been closely tied to its rivers, soil, and sun. The Rio São Francisco is central to that story, having supported the rise of farming communities across the region. Today, as Brazil experiences a renaissance in sustainable cacao farming, the river remains at the heart of this transformation.
For Peirot, the Rio São Francisco is not just a geographical feature—it is a partner in our mission to grow exceptional cacao and coconuts while honoring the deep agricultural heritage of Bahia.
As we look to the future, we are inspired by the river’s enduring presence. Its waters continue to shape the land, connect people, and sustain life—just as they have for centuries.
