April 26, 2024 – 12:48
Cariri Paper Property land titles
Ascom Idace – Text
Leojaime Maia and Júlia Lopes – Photograph
Farmers from Salitre, Assaré, Tarrafas and Várzea Alegre received, between the 23rd and 25th of April, the long-awaited role of land that makes them owners of their possessions
The difference between property and possession is still not so easy to understand. But, as is conventionally said, the rule is clear: ownership only occurs through the land title registered at a notary’s office, the paper that also guarantees the possibility of retirement and applications for agricultural credit. Ownership is that which occurs on a day-to-day basis, with references to housing and enjoyment of the land – ownership belongs to those who live and work on it, where they earn their livelihood and where family and neighborhood life takes place. In Ceará, many squatters still do not have their role, but this is changing.
Between the 23rd and 25th of April, 877 titles were delivered to Salitre, Assaré, Tarrafas and Várzea Alegre by the Agrarian Development Institute, Idace, an independent agency linked to the Agrarian Development Secretariat (SDA). Idace’s work is precisely this: to turn these squatters into owners. Make what is in fact become de jure. And it’s always a party when that happens.
People like Antônio Almeida, Antônio Gonçalves, many Marias and many other people who, at 70, 80, 90 years old, are receiving this gift as a result of the struggle of workers and social movements. “On my farm I plant everything. It’s very lively there”, commented a lady outside Várzea Alegre City Hall. “It’s a dream,” said another.
As he began his speech from the Chamber’s pulpit, the Idace superintendent recalled: “You are the owners of the party. We who are here, occupying these positions, are here for you. You are the ones who feed, produce and feed the nation.” In his speech, João Alfredo highlighted the importance of registering the title in the registry office of each municipality. It is also worth mentioning that Idace has already carried out, in its 45 years of existence, almost 75% of the measurement of Ceará’s land network, which indicates the government’s progress in this area.
