O estudo de caso: assistência técnica e extensão rural no município de São Lourenço do Oeste-SC

Abstract

The western region of Santa Catarina is characterized by the predominance of family farming and small properties agriculture. In recent years, this region has faced a process of excluding a significant portion of farmers from agriculture. This situation demands changes in the ongoing development model in the region. Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER) is one of the pillars of sustainable rural development and is advocated by many family farming entities as a means of reversing the reality of the countryside. In 2010, through Law No. 12.188, the National Policy of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension for Family Farming and Agrarian Reform (PNATER) was established, which sets the principles and guidelines for an ATER that effectively contributes to sustainable rural development. This study aimed to identify the performance of ATER organizations for the family farming segment and the main limits of the different ATER services in the municipality of São Lourenço do Oeste, Santa Catarina. For this study we used case study methodology and interviews conducted with eight providers of ATER (public, private, cooperative and NGO). This study pointed out that the public entities have more attendance to family farmers, and the public that receives the largest attendance is the young and the consolidated properties. Few organizations know and follow PNATER guidelines. Through the study it was possible to conclude that the private entities and the production cooperatives do not meet the PNATER propositions and guidelines. While public entities seek to abide by PNATER's propositions, but encounter difficulties. The NGO and the service cooperative incorporate the policy, but do not have the infrastructure to guarantee the quality and continuity of the service.