Os Programas PAA e PNAE e a produção orgânica no município de Cascavel: avanços, limites e perspectivas

Abstract

The dissertation approaches the theme of the impact of PAA and PNAE on the increase of organic production in Cascavel. From the general objective several specific objectives need to be clarified. The history of Brazilian agriculture, in general, through the Empire and the First Republic, is characterized by large estates, monoculture and production to meet the demands of the foreign market. This historical situation was accentuated with the Green Revolution, from the middle of the century XX, the mechanization of agriculture, and the implementation of agricultural technologies are outlined. Pesticides and chemical fertilizers seek space in the consumer market. Commodities represented the entry of "agricultural products" into the stock market. On the other hand, there has been an expropriation of nature at an unusual pace, with serious socio-environmental impacts. The use of business models in the organization of production meant the expropriation of peasants from their lands. However, with the environmental awakening and the defense of sustainability came the need for changes in production and consumption systems. Agroecology presented itself as a possibility for the practice of sustainable agriculture. Family farming, through crop diversification, presented itself as a great ally of agroecology. However, it was only in the 1990s that the first public policies for the family farmer segment emerged. Pronaf served as a basis for the implementation, in the first decade of the 21st century, of agricultural policies that seek the integration between family farming and sustainability in its economic, social, and environmental dimensions. PAA and PNAE have enabled the development of Brazilian family agriculture. Not only because of its insertion in the order of priorities, but also because of its intrinsic relationship with family agriculture, organic production was boosted by institutional programs. The federal programs motivated the emergence of agricultural policies for family farming and organic production in the state and municipal spheres. In Paraná, Law 16.751/10 and its regulation by Decree 4.211/20 determines that the totality of school meals must be organic. In this scenario, the municipality of Cascavel has undertaken a series of initiatives and partnerships to stimulate the segment. The bibliographical research supported the elaboration of structured questionnaires. The results show potential for increasing organic production. However, factors related to the history of agriculture and the formation of a rural oligarchic ruling class have made Cascavel a municipality completely oriented towards agribusiness and grain production with extensive use of pesticides. The discourse of sustainability and organic production was taken up by large rural landowners who hold not only economic, but also political power. The theory of peaceful coexistence between agribusiness and organic production is affirmed. However, to the extent that the hindering elements linked to the absolute predominance of agribusiness and insufficient technical advice are not duly confronted, municipal public policies produce few results.