Social and Environmental Aspects of Pequi Marketing in Goiás

ABSTRACT The pequizeiro provides fruits traditionally used in cooking Goiás and regions of the Cerrado biome. Based on the pequi marketing analysis in CEASA-GO and local fairs (Ipameri and Pires do Rio, GO), this study assesses the importance of the species and threats related to extraction. The data revealed 12 micro-regions producing pequi in the state, being sold 5500 tons of pequi in 2011, with the box price ranging from 25 to 40 reais. The price paid in the fairs per liter in 2010 was five Brazilian Reais, with an increasing percentage of interested in the sale of non-timber product. The variation in the price paid to the pequi and changes producing regions in Goiás is noteworthy, in addition to the purchase of this product from other states. To meet the growing demand of pequi, it is suggested, besides the responsible extraction, planting the species in the cerrado, in orchards or agroforestry systems.