A STUDY ON THE SOCIOECONOMIC PROFILE OF CONSUMERS OF FINANCED AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY IN THE INTERIOR OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

Agricultural mechanization has been one of the main factors driving productivity and competitiveness in the Brazilian rural sector, especially in the interior of the state of São Paulo, a region characterized by the presence of medium and large-scale agricultural properties. However, the high cost of machinery makes financing indispensable for the acquisition of such equipment, making rural credit a key element for the development of agribusiness. This study aims to analyze the socioeconomic profile of consumers of financed agricultural machinery in the interior of São Paulo and to understand the market dynamics that influence this process. Rural credit programs such as Plano Safra and Moderfrota play an important role in modernizing farms, reducing production costs, and supporting productivity growth. However, these lines of financing still present unequal access, favoring farmers with larger properties and greater capital. Medium- and small-scale farmers still face difficulties in obtaining credit due to a lack of guarantees and high interest rates. The study also highlights that the increase in the Selic rate, according to economic fluctuations, directly affects the sales of agricultural machinery, demonstrating the market’s sensitivity to credit conditions.