PNAE in Viçosa-MG: reflections on the interface between the production and marketing of family farming food and agroecology

Abstract

One goal of Brazilian agricultural public policies is to promote sustainable management of
agrifood systems, by means of programs focused on family farming. Thus, this study aimed at
analyzing the implementation of the National School Feeding Program (NSFP) in Viçosa-MG,
and identifying these incentives and their interface with agroecological principles, towards the
production and marketing of family farming food. Our methodology consisted of document
analysis and an interview with a town agent working in School Feeding. Our findings reveal
that, in Viçosa, the program encourages family farmers to value folk knowledge, to participate
actively in the marketing processes, to lower the dependence on toxic chemicals, and to
diversify their production. We conclude that NSFP fosters the local family farming in Viçosa,
promoting food production and marketing through the principles of agroecology