Desafios e Oportunidades da agricultura familiar no Morro Cavado em Formiga- MG

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the challenges and opportunities regarding the organization and promotion of family farming in the Morro Cavado community, in Formiga, Minas Gerais. It is a descriptive, field-based, quantitative study, conducted using a questionnaire with objective questions, administered between May and June 2026 to 21 family farmers in the community. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics—calculating absolute and relative frequencies—and compared against the theoretical framework. The results revealed that the farms have a small number of workers, with a predominance of labor provided exclusively by the family (71.4%), management concentrated within the family unit, and a combination of crop farming and livestock production. Products are primarily sold through dairy processors, the CEASA (wholesale produce market), and intermediaries. Low product prices were identified as a challenge by all participants, followed by poor road conditions (85.7%), labor shortages (81%), and issues related to climate and power supply interruptions (76.2% each). Although 95.2% of the farmers are aware of PRONAF (National Program for Strengthening Family Farming), only 9.5% reported having received any form of government assistance; the PNAE (National School Feeding Program) was mentioned by 4.8% of participants, while the PAA (Food Acquisition Program) was not cited by any of them. Among the perceived opportunities, the most notable were the ability to remain in rural areas (90.5%), food security and the production of fresh food (76.2% each), and job creation (71.4%). Conversely, collective organization, cooperatives, and participation in government programs were rarely acknowledged. It is concluded that strengthening family farming in Morro Cavado depends on improved market access and rural infrastructure, broader and more effective access to public policies—which remains limited in the community—and the encouragement of collective organization among the farmers. Keywords: Farmers. Food. Public programs. Income. Economy.