Estudo do Impacto da Adoção de Sistemas Agroflorestais com Palmeira Macaúba (A. aculeata) em Áreas de Reserva Legal no Vale do Jequitinhonha-MG

Abstract

The national biofuels policy has received much attention in recent times because of the renewed interest in the environmental issue and the diversification of the energy matrix. The search for viable sources to supply inputs for the production of biodiesel has been stimulated. The present exploratory study seeks to estimate the amount of vegetable oil and co-products that can be obtained from the macaúba palm (A. aculeata). The estimates considered the implementation of agroforestry systems with this palm in the Legal Reserve Area-ARL in the Jequitinhonha Valley of Minas Gerais and the possible impact on Regional GDP after the initiation of fruit production. On the basis of the information from the Agricultural Census, the number of areas for ARL composition was surveyed, and the expected volume of production of macaúba nuts in natura and in the form of vegetable oil was estimated on the basis of literature references. It is expected that an increase of R$ 4.4 billion will be obtained annually with the beginning of fruit production if the fruits are delivered to the minimum price programs of the National Supply Company-CONAB. For the extraction of pulp and almond oils, R$ 10.9 billion can be obtained annually, which is equivalent to 142% of the regional GDP.