Política Nacional de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural e o Caso da Microrregião de Andradina-SP

Abstract

Discussions regarding the technical assistance and rural extension services (ATER) were intensified after the formulation of the National Policy of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (PNATER). Thus, this work aims to provide theoretical basis to the analysis of the implications of PNATER and to promote reflections about ATER actions practiced in Microregion of Andradina- SP, Brazil. The PNATER is the result of efforts of social movements, the recognition of the potential of family farming and the lack of governmental actions directed to this segment of society. However, in order that the advance represented by its creation and institutionalization would not be limited to the theoretical field, many local and effective actions are still required. The issues raised in this study (discontinuous training processes, professionals directed exclusively to conventional ways of production and low quality or the nullity of ATER service) indicate the need of immediate changes in order to overcome limitations of services provided to family farmers of the Microregion. Finally, it is expected that the results here presented assist in formulating strategies based on the guidelines of PNATER, considering that the manifestation of the potentials of family farm rely on such changes.Keywords: Rural extension; Family farming; Public policy.