Compliance with the 30% purchase law of the PNAE from family farming: how is the performance of institutional markets in brazilian states and municipalities?

Abstract

The National School Feeding Program (PNAE) is a key public policy for food and nutritional security in Brazil, requiring that at least 30% of resources be allocated to purchasing food from family farming (AF). This article analyzes the performance of the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) in meeting the legal requirement of acquiring 30% of its food supply from family farming, across municipalities, states, and regions in Brazil. The analysis is based on secondary data from the National Education Development Fund (FNDE) portal, covering the period from 2015 to 2022. The findings reveal significant progress in some regions, particularly in the South, while others, such as the North and Northeast, continue to face structural and logistical challenges. The covid-19 pandemic further hindered the program's implementation, decreasing AF’s participation in institutional food procurement. Several interconnected factors explain the difficulties in reaching the 30% target. These include poor road conditions, lack of transportation, limited storage and distribution infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles in the public procurement process. For example, preparing public calls for food procurement is a major challenge for farmers lacking technical support. These barriers restrict the access of small producers to institutional markets, undermining compliance with the program’s legal framework. The study concludes that the effectiveness of PNAE relies on coordinated efforts among various social actors, including local governments, schools, farmers, and cooperatives. Overcoming structural barriers and simplifying bureaucracy are essential steps to strengthen family farming and enhance food security through the program.