Os efeitos da pandemia da Covid-19 sobre o agronegócio e a alimentação

Abstract

It is estimated that the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) will affect food production, distribution and supply in different ways and intensities. In this article, we discuss the scope and depth of the crisis arising from Covid-19 on agriculture and agribusiness in Brazil, and analyze its potential repercussions and effects on family farming, the meat processing sector and food distribution. The methodology was based on a set of indicators and variables on agriculture and agribusiness using both the national context and the global scenario as reference. We sought information from the press and reviewed a wide range of materials and economic data published by various national and international organizations, as well as by private agents. The conclusions of the analysis point out that the pandemic could have beneficial effects and increase the production supply and the international insertion of Brazilian agribusiness. Demand for food is in creasing and it is possible that the United States versus China trade dispute will increase exports. The analysis also indicates potential problems in supplying the domestic market and possible price increases, as well as food price inflation, resulting from both increased demand and production costs due to exchange rate devaluation, which represents a stimulus for exports. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on family farming and on the supply of local markets were strongest at the beginning of the pandemic, when there were restrictions on trade and the circulation of products. Public policies and the role of the State were not effective along the crisis, especially with regard to problems of contamination in slaughterhouses. We conclude by suggesting the need to reposition the food system by making it more resilient and sustainable.