Technical assistance and rural extension in Rio Grande do Norte: consensus or clash of visions?

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the conceptions of rural technical assistance present in the visions
of governmental and non - governmental agents, as well as the beneficiaries of Technical
Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) in Rio Grande do Norte, in order to point out the consensuses
and antagonisms of these visions. The study was conducted through documentary,
bibliographic and field research. The results indicate that a new conception of ATER is under
way in the scope of the Agroecological Transition gestated in civil society. We conclude that
there is a consensus between the State and Civil Society regarding the understanding that
ATER is necessary. Antagonisms refer to the character of ATER and the real priority given to
that service.