THE HISTORY OF RURAL EXTENSION IN BRAZIL: FROM REPRODUCTION TO REFLECTION

Abstract

This paper aims to understand how contemporary Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (ATER by its acronym in Portuguese) in Brazil has been shaped, seeking to find the determinants for its configuration. To achieve this objective, the legislation that regulates ATER PNATER, PRONATER and ANATER public policies - was verified. Relevant events for extension service were also investigated, such as the creation of INCRA, CATI, ACAR, EMBRATER, EMBRAPA, CNDR, CNDRS and CONDRAF. The discussions, based on documents and literature review, have revealed that contemporary ATER is based on sustainable rural development, although the practice is not yet a reality.