Agricultural policy subsidies in the cacao farming of the Atlantic Forest and Amazon biomes

Abstract

The cocoa crop, as agroforestry system, was settled in the biomes of rainforest Atlantic and Amazon, in the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo, Rondônia and Pará, with relative success. Elsewhere, the cocoa crop is conducted as an agroforestry system, combining the natural environment with agricultural environment. In spite the systems in three states have as habitat the tropical and equatorial rainforest, there are peculiarities that distinguish each one into the group. These peculiarities are responsible for different production factors requirements, for unequal physical outputs and economic income and for different degree of contributions to preserving the biosphere. This paper attempts to draw comparisons between these systems in order to suggest that evaluations as part of public policies take into account the diversity and the ability to generate positive externalities. The methodology adopted consisted of a systematic review of the available literature on the subject. The findings could guide public policies to support cacao farming, allowing specific approaches for different biomes and ecosystems.