From this Wednesday (17th), cooperativism is recognized as a manifestation of national culture and will be able to access resources from regional development funds. The two standards that strengthen the sector are published in the Official Gazette of the Union. Law No. 15,433, in addition to considering the sector part of the Brazilian cultural ensemble, determines that the State guarantees the free activity of cooperatives and supports the model, as provided for in the Federal Constitution.  Related news: Cooperativism includes small producers in the market, says former minister. Alckmin defends strengthening cooperativism in the country. Cooperative Day is celebrated in several Brazilian cities. The proposal recognizes the historical role of cooperativism in the social and economic formation of the country, present in various sectors and associated with values ​​such as collaboration and collective management.  Complementary Law No. 231 includes cooperatives in the group of beneficiaries of the Northeast Development Fund (FDNE), the Amazon Development Fund (FDA) and the Central-West Development Fund (FDCO). The change was made through changes to previous rules and expands these entities' access to financing aimed at productive projects.  Access to resources With inclusion, the resources from these funds can be allocated not only to companies, but also to cooperative societies, as long as they are organized in accordance with the sector's legislation.  In practice, the measure expands the financing possibilities for initiatives in strategic areas, such as infrastructure, agroindustry and other ventures capable of generating regional economic development.  Regional funds aim to support projects with the potential to boost new productive activities and reduce inequalities between regions of the country, especially in the North, Northeast and Central-West.  Strengthening the sector The two standards are part of a set of measures aimed at strengthening Brazilian cooperativism. With greater access to financing and institutional recognition, the sector gains support to expand investments, generate income and boost regional development.