The present study investigated the healthcare needs of agribusiness rural workers in the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil. Focused on irrigated fruit monoculture for export, the production model of the region has brought about profound changes in communities, notably on rural workers' way of life. This qualitative study adopted action research methodology and was conducted in 2010, when 14 residents of Chapada do Apodi were interviewed. Among them, four were members of a Family Health Strategy team (a doctor, a nurse, a community health agent, and a nursing assistant), two users of the Unified Healthcare System (SUS), a janitor, a rural worker employed in the agribusiness, the president of the rural workers' association, a representative of the municipal health department, a town councilor, a teacher, and two participants of social movements. The results of discourse analysis revealed a situation of socio-environmental vulnerability with negative repercussions on production, health, and life style. It also showed that public policies against labor exploitation, environmental damage, and human health issues, such as pesticide intoxication, are not sufficiently enforced. This situation calls for SUS actions to recognize the healthcare needs of local rural workers.
worker's health; agribusiness; Unified Health Care System; determination of health care needs; pesticides