The business of unconventional food plants (UFPs): a multicase study at organic fairs in the Federal District

Abstract

Unconventional food plants (plantas alimentícias não convencionais - PANCs) are matter of a huge potential to be explored in various research areas, for its direct relation with farmers and traditional communities, in terms of production, since they are of great importance for their subsistence, as well as for ecological services, and food. The presente study aimed to prospect information on the presence of PANCs in organic fairs in the Federal District (DF), in order to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge of these species, to the increase of food diversity, and to the dynamism of the local economy. In the exploratory study,we investigated the presence of PANCs in those organic fairs, in two stages (2021 and 2023). Using a semistructured interview with 37 interviewees, we analyzed the profiles of farmers, as well as the characteristics of the activity and the perception of PANCs businesses. We verified that the knowledge on these plants often dates to childhood. Barbados gooseberry (Pereskia aculeata Mill.), tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium Liebm.), lamb's-ear (Stachys byzantina K.Koch), and purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) are common examples. According to some interviewers, the selling of PANCs started due to consumer demand. PANCs cultivation is 88% on their properties, which represents a significant economic gain from their point-ofview. However, the lack of knowledge about the species, emerges as the main obstacle to expansion for both consumers and producers. The segment requires attention from researchers, extension workers, legislators, and the productive sector.