Evaluation of agricultural risk mitigation policies in the Northeast (Brazil)

Abstract

The main objective of this work is to analyze the actions of the risk reduction programs in rural production in the Northeast region of Brazil. It is delimited to the period 2006 to 2016, and the Agricultural Activity Guarantee Program (Proagro), the Rural Insurance Premium Subsidy Program (PSR) and the Crop Guarantee Program are addressed. These three components of the Brazilian risk reduction strategy in the rural environment, together, form an important structure of agricultural policy, which assists in the prevention, coexistence and reduction of risks and the stimulation of production, in addition to ensuring the maintenance of farming activities. In general, this study analyses the regional scope of these programs, identifying the concentration areas and the main activities benefited by these policies in contrast to the national context. The results point out that these instruments do not cover the entire agricultural area of the region. In addition, despite regional productive diversity, a concentration of economic resources and grants is observed in the cultivation of higher gross production value and greater risks, such as soybean and maize production.