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The Central Government allocated R$ 250 million to the Food Acquisition Program (PAA). The news was announced on Monday (16), in reference to World Food Day and the bicentenary of the PAA.
To provide context, the federal administration presented a series of investments aimed at boosting family farming and mitigating food insecurity. At the event at the Planalto Palace, Wellington Dias, head of the Ministry of Development, Social Assistance, Family and the Fight Against Hunger (MDS), sealed partnerships in support of the PAA and the National Solidarity Kitchens Program.
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The R$ 250 million earmarked for the PAA in 2023 is added to a total of R$ 500 million previously allocated. This dialogue between the Transition Government led by Lula and national lawmakers resulted in an increase in the budget.
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“The partnership established with the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate was fundamental to responding to the country's demands,” emphasized Minister Wellington Dias.
“In honor of World Food Day, we are increasing our funding. We are currently allocating an additional R$ 250 million to the Food Acquisition Program, which encourages and enables small farmers’ production. He added that this food is directed to those who need nutritional support.”
In 2023, funding for the PAA exceeded R$ 900 million, according to official sources.
The MDS clarified the amounts distributed by the program this year:
- Funding 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, led by Jair Bolsonaro, had allocated a mere R$ 2 million 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 program’s operations in isolated territories.
They used the funds to purchase:
- Extended-cab 4×4 vehicles;
- Trucks with refrigerated compartments;
- Trucks with climate-controlled compartments;
- 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) to purchase food for Indigenous communities. In July, R$ 29.5 million had already been released for this purpose.
The PAA has been an instrument for reducing hunger in Brazil.
In summary, 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 participation difficult.
However, under the new administration, processes were simplified for these groups, facilitating their inclusion in and enjoyment 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 Agriculture. “The impact of this project is tangible, reaching agricultural communities directly and benefiting women, Indigenous people, extractivists, and those connected to agrarian reform,” he added.
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In 2023, the PAA introduced innovations, ensuring women's inclusion in its activities. The stipulated minimum rate is 50%, recognizing the role of women in the sector and encouraging their independence.
About the Solidarity Kitchens program:
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Launched in March, alongside the reactivation of the PAA, the National Solidarity Kitchens Program aims to provide meals to vulnerable individuals and groups.
The central focus is the eradication of hunger, especially in metropolitan areas, where food insecurity is more prevalent.
At the event at the Palácio do Planalto, Wellington Dias formalized a partnership with the Fundação Banco do Brasil, securing an investment of R$ 4 million in the solidarity kitchens. Additionally, the MDS plans to allocate R$ 26 billion from the PAA to support this initiative.
With a focus on small-scale farmers, the National Solidarity Kitchens Program establishes that at least 30% of the resources for food purchases must come from these producers.
