Biodiesel public policy in Brazil

an analysis in the overview of the public policy cycle

Abstract

The present study proposes an analysis of biodiesel´s public policy in Brazil, from a perspective of public policy cycles. This diagnosis ranges from the formation of the agenda, through the processes of formulation and implementation, to the evaluation of results and changes. Methodologically, documentary and bibliographical research was carried out, discussed within a model based on four stages and four categories of analysis. As main conclusions, the research suggests that the topic of biofuels entered the public agenda in a specific historical context. The association between this entry and the meeting of a pre-established political agenda seems to be elementary. The research also identifies an incipient participation of representative actors of family farming during all stages of public policy. In the formulation stage of the National Program of Biodiesel Production and Use (PNPB), differently from what the literature points out, there is much less participatory plurality and much more analytical homogeneity than is suggested. It also identifies some obstacles faced still in the early stages of implementation of the program, and evaluates some results and changes considering the content of public policy. At this point, it gives special attention to the objectives of regional development and inclusion of family farming in the productive chain, advocated in the scope of the program. Finally, the study presents key issues that should be considered in future analyses of the PNPB.

Keywords: Family Farming. Public Policy Analysis. Biodiesel. Regional Development.