Feiras Agroecológicas e Orgânicas em Juazeiro-Petrolina: um Patrimônio Sociocultural para uma Alimentação Saudável

Abstract

Fairs, whether free or market, represent more than a food trade. They are an intangible heritage, a socio-cultural expression that dates back more than half a century in Brazil, having arisen during its colonization, in order to boost its economy, initially agricultural, giving rise to the first cities. The object of this article is the agroecological and organic fairs in the Juazeiro/BA and Petrolina/PE regions. Its aim is to discuss the contribution of agroecological and organic fairs in Juazeiro/BA and Petrolina/PE to socio-cultural heritage and healthy eating. The methodology used to achieve this goal was a literature review with basic documentary research and an exploratory-explanatory objective with a qualitative bias. The study was carried out from September 3 to October 31, 2023. It is justified by the need to research and disseminate these models of sustainable, alternative fairs. The results of this study showed that agroecological and organic fairs incorporate perspectives that result in the well-being and quality of life of the subjects, by offering them food and other products within production and marketing standards that favor a healthy diet, rich in vitamins, nutrients and proteins of plant and animal origin, including those certified by audit or in a participatory manner. The results indicated that these fairs represent a new social, cultural and environmental way of dealing with the food/nutritional issue, and that in the cities analyzed it is already possible to find some successful experiences, making it essential to bring these practices to the center of discussions. It was concluded that agroecological and organic fairs play an important role in society due to their socio-cultural importance, above all because they prioritize life and the environment over capital. Although they are still incipient experiences in the cities surveyed, they have gained ground in the face of the current market model, which demonstrates their potential.