Cadeia produtiva do açaí e aspectos socioeconômicos dos batedores no município de Laranjal do Jari AP

Abstract

Given the importance of marketing the fruit for the region, the objective of this work was to describe the açaí production chain and characterize the socio-economics of the açaí beaters in the municipality. The present study was carried out in the municipality of Laranjal do Jari, which is located 320 kilometers from the capital and access is via the so-called southern axis of the BR-156, where the information for the socioeconomic characterization of the açaí pickers was obtained through a research with an applied nature, with a quali-quantitative approach. Data collection was based on semi-structured interviews combining open and closed questions with the target audience being merchants and owners of commercial establishments "beaters", covering the economic, environmental and social aspects of the açaí commercialization system in the municipality. The georeferencing of the açaí mixers was carried out during the months of September to October 2022. The distribution of the açaí mixers is quite dispersed in the municipality, we identified 78 points of production of açaí wine, distributed in all the districts of the municipality being identified by “red signs with white lettering. In addition, 8 (eight) extractive families that have native forest managed by Euterpe Oleracea Mart. were identified, so it was possible to identify how the açaí production chain works and its main challenges. The commercial scouts/traders of the açaí production chain in Laranjal do Jari, Amapá, Brazil, is formed mostly by male individuals, single, who have a basic education level and whose main income-generating activity is processing and sale of açaí, obtaining a monthly income between one and two minimum wages. The sale of açaí begins in December, with a peak in February. Most vendors sell açaí pulp for up to R$15.00, and most have been doing this activity for over 10 years. It is noticed that there is little concern and low investment in preparation or training courses to carry out the activity in the mixers, aiming at a predominantly artisanal and informal activity. Due to the açaí being a basic food of the majority of the population of this municipality and having socioeconomic importance, it is necessary to have a technical follow-up with the açaí beaters, through guidelines and lectures, which makes them aware of the environmental risks and the need for hygiene in their commercial establishments.