Covid-19: Impacts and strategies to commercialization of family farming food in Federal District

Abstract

This study evaluates the impacts and strategies to commercialization of family farming food during restrictions imposed by COVID-19 in Federal District of Brazil and surrounding areas. A social crisis, caused by coronavirus, resulted in abrupt and unpredictable changes for family farmers. Associations and cooperatives representing small holders farmers needed to reorganize themselves quickly to reduce losses and develop alternatives for trade and marketing. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, with executives and managers of 17 agricultural associations and cooperatives from the Federal District area, Brazil, and surrounding areas. Despite the loss, associations and cooperatives developed marketing strategies and intensified some food distribution channels. Public policies and programs such as the Food Acquisition Program (PAA) and the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) were important in this pandemic context to maintain viable production, avoid losses and keep up the farmer’s income. At the same time, these policies helped the food supply to the population dependent on these programs, such as students assisted by the public school network and their families, who are part of a population who has strong socioeconomic fragility.