Contributions and limitations of PRONAF in the perception of local social actors in Passo Fundo/RS

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the execution of the National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture (Pronaf) in the municipality of Passo Fundo (RS), from 1995 to 2020, seeking to identify the main social actors involved in the articulation of public policy at the local and their perceptions about the contributions and limitations of the Program. The problem that permeates this study consists of the increase in social inequalities in local agriculture, identified in some Brazilian regions, with the allocation of Pronaf resources directed to productive chains aimed at the production of agricultural commodities and to more capitalized family farmers, leaving many on the sidelines of this public policy. In methodological terms, this is an explanatory research, with a qualitative approach to the data. Among the main results, it should be noted that Pronaf has an important adherence in the municipality of Passo Fundo, with a strong concentration of resources in the most capitalized group of family agriculture and with resources directed mainly to the agricultural costing modality. The main articulators are rural extension workers, some employees of the Rural Workers Union and financial institutions at the local level. Pronaf is perceived by local social actors as an important instrument that allows family farmers to make investments, however, the increase in interest rates, the income limit for inclusion in the Program and the practice of tying by financial institutions are considered limitations in the municipality researched.

Keywords: Family farming. Public policy. Pronaf. Passo Fundo.