Sustainable agriculture with products from the Atlantic Rainforest

Abstract

Native species from the Atlantic Rainforest are potentially indicated for sustainable production systems composition, such as agroforestry systems (AFS). The financial analysis of a successional and multi-stratified AFS with 24 species, including semi-perennials and perennials, mostly native from the Atlantic Rainforest, associated to annual and biennial species, was conducted in the context of the Biomas Project, installed at Sooretama municipality, in the state of Espírito Santo. The financial analysis showed a low financial performance in the first 10 years with negative Net Present Value (NPV) and Equivalent Annual Value (EAV) of R $ 7,770.88 ha-1 and R$ 1,080.97 ha-1, respectively. However, for the next 10 years, the indicators became positive with NPV of R$ 5,820.42 ha-1 and EAV of R$ 528.24 ha-1. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was -3.9% and 5.6% for the period of 10 and 20 years, respectively, considering the Minimum Attractiveness Rate (MAR) of 6.5%. The Benefit/Cost (B/C) ratio was 0.8 and 1.1 for the respective periods. The method used allows simulations with adjustments in the arrangement, species selection and management in order to achieve the financial viability and the system sustainability. The native species used in the system presented potential for increasing income, food security and biodiversity conservation.