A Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in the perceptions of farmers and development agents

Abstract

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is an international public health treaty and accession to the treaty was in Brazil in 2005. Ratification of Brazil brought a number of implications, due to be the second largest exporter of tobacco leaf and one of the four largest tobacco producers in the world. In this context, the paper aims to present and discuss some insights that farmers and development agents in the city of Arvorezinha (RS) have about the FCTC. The study was conducted based on qualitative methodologies, using semi-structured interviews, participant observation and field notebook. We interviewed 17 producers of tobacco (families) from different rural communities in the county and seven development agents and local leaders during the months from February to June 2009. The results point to a lack of federal measure. But even ignoring the international agreement, the perception of the FCTC is negative, according to the agreement may reflect the production of tobacco and the tax return for the municipality.