Processo de aquisição de produtos da Agricultura Familiar pelos restaurantes da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul e da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados

Abstract

Universities play a prominent role as spaces for discussion and knowledge, and boost regional development by promoting teaching, research and extension activities for the benefit of the community. University Restaurants (RUs) have been important in promoting healthy eating, especially through the Food Acquisition Program in the Institutional Purchase modality (PAA-CI) which facilitates the purchase of food from Family Farming (AF) by RUs, strengthening the connection between production and consumption. These changes within the RUs have come a long way, starting in the 1990s, when the Brazilian State began to play a significant role in implementing public policies aimed at strengthening family farming. The main objective of this research is to understand the process of acquiring food from AF by University Restaurants in Mato Grosso do Sul, specifically from the UFMS and UFGD Institutions. The research is aligned with one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (ODS) established by the United Nations (ONU) in the 2030 Agenda, specifically ODS 2: Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture. The research used a qualitative approach, supported by bibliographic procedures, document analysis and interviews. Regarding objectives, the research is classified as exploratory. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with the main actors involved in the process. Data interpretation relied on the content analysis technique proposed by Bardin, which highlighted the importance of building and strengthening dialogues between all social actors involved in the public procurement process. Furthermore, a complementary analysis was carried out using the Iramuteq software. The results revealed that the UFMS and UFGD Institutions recognize the importance of purchasing AF food. Although few actions have been taken to boost this movement, there is potential to improve the current situation. UFGD demonstrates a step forward, with the carrying out of a possible awareness project, in 2024, and more active supervision with the outsourced company. On the other hand, UFMS hopes that, based on this research, negotiations will take place between the actors involved to promote advances in the Family Farming purchasing process, especially with the recent inauguration of the Family Agriculture School Market. Finally, the study fulfilled its objective by revealing the current context of public purchases in the RUs analyzed, highlighting the potentialities and weaknesses that permeate the process of purchasing food from Family Farming. These notes can lead to the practice of more adjusted actions, providing improvements for restaurant users, society and local development.