Straw Hat Program: see who is eligible

Do you know the Straw Hat Program? This is an initiative of the Government of the State of Pernambuco.

The objective is to provide socioeconomic assistance to rural workers who lose their seasonal jobs in the sugarcane harvest, and other specific crops.

The program includes measures such as the payment of financial aid, the provision of professional training courses, access to credit programs and support for the marketing of agricultural products produced by beneficiaries. 

In short, the ultimate aim is to promote social inclusion and improve the living conditions of these workers.

Learn more about this topic in this article.

Straw Hat Program: what is it?

Initially, the Chapéu de Palha Program is an initiative of the Government of the State of Pernambuco that aims to support rural workers.

In this sense, this happens during the off-season of sugar cane, irrigated fruit farming and the adverse conditions of artisanal fishing. 

Originally created in 1988 by then governor Miguel Arraes, the program offers an alternative to face the challenges caused by mass unemployment during that period.

Covering the 12 Development Regions of Pernambuco, the program extends from the Zona da Mata to the Sertão, also reaching areas close to rivers and the sea. 

In turn, in 2007, the program was reissued by then governor Eduardo Campos and transformed into law (State Law No. 13,244/2007), guaranteeing its continuity.

Thus, during the off-season, workers enrolled in the program receive a grant in addition to Bolsa Família, providing financial support. 

However, the Straw Hat Program It goes further: it invests in education as a viable alternative to improve the quality of life of rural workers and their families. 

In this way, through training and professional development courses, we seek to prepare these workers for the future.

In 2009, the program was extended to rural workers in irrigated fruit farming in seven municipalities in the São Francisco Valley. 

The Straw Hat of Irrigated Fruit Farming was established by State Law No. 13,766/2009. Later, in 2012, artisanal fishermen were also included in the initiative, covering 57 municipalities in Pernambuco. 

The Artisanal Fishing Straw Hat was guaranteed by State Law No. 14,492/2011.

In short, regardless of the government in power, the three fronts of action of the Straw Hat Program are guaranteed by law.

This ensures that sugarcane straw workers, irrigated fruit growers and artisanal fishermen continue to receive assistance and development opportunities.

+ How to take advantage of government benefits? See now!

Who is eligible for the Straw Hat Program?

This is an assistance program created by the government of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, to help rural workers affected by the seasonality of agricultural activities. 

For example, rural workers who work in the following areas are entitled to the program: sugar cane, irrigated fruit farming, orange, mango, acerola, sisal, banana, coconut, pineapple, beetroot, cassava, tomato and oil palm.

See the conditions:

• Families linked to the cultivation of sugar cane and irrigated fruit farming with a monthly per capita income of up to R$ 60.01, whether or not they have children;
• Families with a monthly income between R$ 60 and 120 reais, which are composed of pregnant women, nursing mothers, children between 0 and 12 years old or adolescents up to 15 years old;
• Linked to artisanal fishing with a monthly per capita family income of R$70, with or without children;
• Those with a family income between R$70.01 and R$140 per month, which include, and their composition, pregnant women, nursing mothers, children between 0 and 12 years old or adolescents up to 15 years old;
• And Young People Among 18 and 24 years old, who are unemployed due to the sugarcane off-season or members of a family who has a member who is unemployed due to the same reason.

However, it is important to emphasize that the specific criteria and requirements may vary according to each edition of the Straw Hat Program.

Therefore, it is always recommended to consult the updated information released by the state government for the most accurate details.

Increase in the Straw Hat Program in 2024

In 2024, workers covered by the program will see an increase of 38% in the value of the program's grants.

In this sense, the amount paid to sugarcane and floriculture workers, who received 271 reais, now receives 378.04 reais.

Artisanal fishermen, who received 281 reais, now receive 387.04 reais.

In addition, the program will have an additional installment, meaning that the amounts that were currently paid in four installments will now be paid in five installments.

In short, the two changes together represent an increase of 73% in the amount received by beneficiaries.

+ New retirement values: Check the value for 2024

What documents are required for registration?

The registration process for Straw Hat Program requires the presentation of the following documents:

• Proof of PIS or NIS;
• Identity card (RG);
• CPF;
• Proof of residence;
• Digital work card, issued up to 15 days prior to registration;
• National Social Information Registry (CNIS) updated.

The program also offers educational activities, reforestation and document issuance, with a focus on improving the quality of life of workers.

For more information, you can visit the official website of the Straw Hat Program.

Conclusion

Finally, it is worth remembering that the Straw Hat Program is an important support program for rural workers.

The current changes represent a significant increase in the amount received by beneficiaries, without a doubt.