POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE INCENTIVO À OLERICULTURA: PERCEPÇÕES, BENEFÍCIOS E LIMITAÇÕES ENTRE PRODUTORES CADASTRADOS NA EMATER DE GOIATUBA - GO

Abstract

Public policies to encourage vegetable farming aim primarily to foster the sustainable production of vegetables, promote food security, generate employment and income in rural areas, and encourage environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Since the implementation of programs such as the National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture (PRONAF), policies directed toward vegetable cultivation have expanded, seeking to align with the country’s productive, socio-environmental, and market needs. These policies also contribute to strengthening family farming, diversifying crops, and increasing the supply of healthy foods in the domestic market. The objective of this study was to investigate the experience of vegetable growers in the municipality of Goiatuba (GO) registered with EMATER, assessing how public policies aimed at the vegetable-farming sector are perceived, what concrete results have been achieved, and which barriers still limit their effectiveness. Understanding how incentives are applied in practice, what their direct impacts are on vegetable production and commercialization, and the challenges faced during their implementation allows for the identification of strengths and weaknesses within the current system. For this research, a qualitative case-study approach was adopted, divided into three main stages. The first consisted of a literature review focused on public policies related to family farming and vegetable production. The second stage involved data collection through the application of a questionnaire administered to vegetable growers. This instrument included questions related to the producers’ demographic profile, level of knowledge about incentive programs, effective participation in public policies, difficulties encountered in accessing and executing these actions, as well as perceptions regarding their socioeconomic and productive impacts. The data were analyzed using Descriptive Statistics, with percentage calculation, tables, and graphs used to systematize the information obtained. The third stage consisted of the development of a Guidance Manual in eBook format, entitled “Guidance Manual for Vegetable Growers,” aimed at disseminating information and best practices identified throughout the study.