Os benefícios e desafios do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) para os agricultores familiares

Abstract

Created in 2003, the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) has proven to be an important marketing channel for small rural producers and a relevant public policy to promote access to healthy food. Along its trajectory, several normative and institutional changes were carried out in order to improve the program's implementation. Thus, this work aimed to analyze the main benefits and challenges of the PAA for its beneficiary suppliers. The method applied included systematic literature review and content analysis. Studies have shown that, throughout its trajectory, the PAA has promoted economic, social and environmental gains. From an economic point of view, reports were observed about the increase in the income of family farmers, which allowed them to improve their living conditions in general. In the social sphere, it is clear that the program was able to provide its beneficiaries with a diversified, quality food sourced from local production, in addition to encouraging recognition and appreciation of the local food culture. As for the gains from the environmental perspective, it was observed that the PAA fostered crop diversification, as well as adherence to good production practices. Challenges and difficulties in accessing and operating the program were also perceived, such as the lack of support and logistics and economic limitations inherent to public policy, which may limit access to the PAA in the long term.