FIGUEIREDO, T. Q.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/6520896952518189; FIGUEIREDO, Thiago Queiroz de.
Resumen:
The main objective of this study is to analyze the economic, social and environmental
sustainability of the alcohol and sugar sector of Paraíba. The alcohol and sugar production
activity in Paraíba, as in the Northeast, has been suffering since the middle 80s with the end
of State intervention in the sector and the extinction of IAA and PROALCOOL. Through a
revision of the literature about the Brazilian sugar and alcohol industry it was emphasized
initially the main differences between the Center-South and the Northeast, as well as
contextualized historically the process of economic development of the sugar and alcohol
production in Brazil. Secondly, secondary data were collected from research reports written
by State agencies and thirdly, it was interviewed businessmen and technician of the
industry. It was verifíed that the sector has modern distilleries perfectly adapted to the lack
of state financing and incentives, and, on the other side, it was verifíed the existence of
technologically backward sugar mills with few perspectives of surviving without State
support. It was also observed the economic recuperation and modernization of sugar mills
and the expansion of distilleries since the year 2000, and their commitment to
environmental preservation and the search for sustainable development. From a
environmental standpoint it was observed, among the businessmen interviewed, a concern
with preservation of the environment verifíed through the technologies employed. From the
economic and social point of view it was verifíed the importance of the sector in the
absorption of labor, both industrial as agricultural.
