Estudo da potencialidade de registro de indicação geográfica a produção de cacau no município de Medicilândia/PA

Abstract

Recent discussions focused on the planning and development projects for rural areas in Brazil seek understanding of vocations and potential of each region. This new approach to development is not focused only on economic growth, but also seeks a political, social improvements and better use of environmental resources. The use of Geographical Indications has been encouraged by the Brazilian government as a tool to add value and credibility to a product, allowing a market differential depending on the characteristics of their place of origin and method of production, and boost the organization of producers through associations. A Geographical Indications can also boost socio-economic development of a region, since they are necessary to establish changes in production patterns. The municipality of Medicilândia largest producer of cocoa in Brazil, has a natural vocation for cacao cultivation by soils present high and medium fertility, and appropriate weather conditions. Culture eminently preservationist, cocoa has been grown in Medicilândia Agroforestry Systems, by small farms, contributing to environmental sustainability. However, the amounts paid to the Transamazônica cocoa beans are lower than those practiceds in other regions of the country. In this context, a study was conducted to identify the potential for registration of geographical indication to the cultivation of cocoa in the municipality of Medicilândia. The study identified a reputation of cocoa production in Medicilândia, especially in relation to the quantity produced and the use of preservationists practices. However, it is possible to observe that the absence of a standard production and the failure of the stages of processing the cocoa beans, causing cocoa classified as inferior quality, althoug some studies identify that, when correctly benefited, the cocoa of this region has intrinsic superior quality, as melting point and fat content. As the Geographical Indications can be considered a constructive process, from a desire of local actors, the study concludes that the municipality of Medicilândia has the potential to register the Indication of Origin of cocoa.