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The Central Government has allocated R$250 million to the Food Acquisition Program (PAA). The news released this on Monday (16), in allusion to World Food Day and the bicentennial of the PAA.
To provide context, the federal government presented a series of contributions aimed at boosting basic agriculture and mitigating food insecurity. At the event at the Planalto Palace, Wellington Dias, leader of the Ministry of Development, Social Assistance, Family and Fight against Hunger (MDS), sealed partnerships in favor of the PAA and the National Program of Solidarity Kitchens.
The R$250 million earmarked for the PAA in 2023 is in addition to an amount of R$500 million previously earmarked. This dialogue between the Transition Management presided over by Lula and national parliamentarians resulted in the budget increase.
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“The partnership established with the Chamber and the Senate was fundamental in responding to the country’s demands”, highlighted Minister Wellington Dias.
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“In honor of World Food Day, we are increasing our contributions. We are currently allocating an additional R$250 million to the Food Acquisition Program, which encourages and enables production by small farmers. He added that these foods are intended for those who need nutritional reinforcement.
In 2023, contributions to the PAA exceeded R$900 million, according to official sources.
The MDS clarified the amounts distributed by the program this year:
- Contribution for powdered milk: R$100 million;
- Emergency funds for Rio Grande do Sul: R$65 million;
- Parliamentary allocations: R$ 8 million.
According to records, the previous government, under the leadership of Jair Bolsonaro, had allocated a mere R$1.4 billion to the PAA in 2022, demonstrating significant growth this year.
Incidentally, the MDS announced the release of R$40 million for the Indigenous PAA in 2023. This investment benefited 15 states, enabling the purchase of vehicles to facilitate the operation of the program in isolated territories.
They used the funds to acquire:
- Extended cab 4×4 vehicles;
- Trucks with thermal compartments;
- Trucks with air-conditioned compartment;
- Motorized aluminum boats.
There is also a provision for an additional transfer of R$26 million by the MDS to the National Supply Company (Conab) for the purpose of purchasing food for indigenous communities. In July, R$29.5 million had already been released for this purpose.
The PAA has been an instrument to reduce hunger in Brazilian territory.
In short, under Lula's leadership, the PAA was revitalized in March 2023, making it more accessible to indigenous communities and traditional groups. Previously, bureaucratic obstacles made it difficult to join.
However, under the new management, processes were simplified for these groups, facilitating their inclusion and use of the program.
“This project played a crucial role in removing Brazil from the hunger map in 2014,” highlighted Paulo Teixeira, head of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Family Farming. “The impact of this project is tangible, reaching the agricultural bases directly, benefiting women, indigenous people, extractivists and those linked to agrarian reform,” he added.
In 2023, the PAA brought innovations, ensuring female inclusion in its activities. The minimum stipulated index is 50%, valuing the female role in the sector, encouraging their independence.
About the Solidarity Kitchens program:
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Launched in March, together with the reactivation of the PAA, the National Solidarity Kitchen Program aims to provide meals to vulnerable individuals and groups.
The central focus is the eradication of hunger, especially in metropolises, where food insecurity is more prevalent.
At the event at the Planalto Palace, Wellington Dias formalized a partnership with the Banco do Brasil Foundation, securing an investment of R$1.4 million in the solidarity kitchens. Additionally, the MDS plans to allocate R$1.4 billion from the PAA to support this initiative.
With an eye on small-scale farmers, the National Solidarity Kitchen Program establishes that at least 30% of the resources for food acquisition come from these producers.
