Caracterização da cadeia produtiva de polpa do fruto de palmeira juçara (Euterpe edulis Mart.) no Paraná

Abstract

The Juçara Euterpe edulis Mart. (Arecaceae) is an abundant species in the forests where it occurs and that produces a large amount of flowers and fruits, becoming a plant of great ecological importance. After several years of overexploitation related to the consumption of palm heart, this plant has been reducing the number of individuals drastically affecting its natural regeneration, with this, it is on the red list of endangered species. This work aimed to gather information related to the structuring of the açaí production chain produced from the fruits of Euterpe edulis in southwestern Paraná, through semi-structured interviews applied in açaí houses and a municipal fair in the city of Planalto. In addition, a brief report was prepared about a cultivator of the species in the region, as well as information related to the valuation of this product in supermarkets and restaurants in the city. Thus, it was possible to verify that there is a lack of projects and studies that contribute to the development, processing and consumption of the raw material. Due to these characteristics and the lack of knowledge of the local population about the use of the fruit of the juçara palm, production, marketing and consumption activities are limited, reducing their potential to generate income for producers, also restricting their use of food and reducing the conservation activities that the use of this non-timber forest resource can offer to the environment.