A pandemia de COVID-19 e a expansão da informalidade na agroindústria familiar em Minas Gerais

In recent years, family farming in Brazil has gained unprecedented prominence, driven by public policies and regulations that have fostered its development. Notably, the formalization through the renewal of health permits has emerged as an indicator of the gradual integration of producers into the formal market. This transition not only promotes social inclusion, but also ensures food quality for consumers. Focusing specifically on Minas Gerais and the period from 2015 to 2020, this research conducted an in-depth analysis of permit requests by family farming establishments and food producers. Records obtained from the State Health Surveillance Superintendency were examined, and this analysis was notably enhanced through the application of the cause-and-effect mapping methodology recommended by the OECD in 2012. The data revealed a significant upward trend until 2019. In the first year of the study, out of 658 inspections, 41.8% were aimed at health licensing. This number dropped to 23.2% in 2016, but a strong recovery was observed in the subsequent years, with 1008, 1199, and 1235 inspections recorded in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively. However, 2020 brought a notable reversal, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, when only 140 out of 630 inspections (22.2%) resulted in licenses. This scenario sheds light on the resilience and challenges faced by family farming in times of external adversity. It underscores the need for continued research into external impacts on the sector, serving as a critical resource for policymakers and managers navigating periods of uncertainty.