The Abc Program

This research draws on data from the Central Bank of Brazil’s rural credit matrix, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), and questionnaires administered in the municipality of Valença-RJ. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The sample consisted of 40 farmers, 4 technical extension agents, and 11 employees of financial institutions that operate with rural credit in the municipality. Our findings indicate that the resources allocated to the ABC Program represent less than 15% of the government's initial rural credit budget. Despite the limited funding, some of the credit lines available remain underutilized. The most accessed line of credit is for the restoration of degraded pastureland, particularly in the Brazilian Midwest. Lastly, the case study reveals that even 13 years since the program's inception, the ABC credit lines remain largely unknown to producers, extension agents, and bank employees in Valença. This lack of awareness hinders the program’s promotion and likely contributes to its low uptake among rural producers.