Perfil de gestão das unidades de produção, com base agroecológica, situadas no Município de Laranjeiras do Sul - Paraná

Abstract

Family farming is the main source of staple food production in our country. While large farms are focused on large-scale monoculture, small units are supplying the food market. In this sense, Agroecology arose with the objective of trying to supply a lack left by the State regarding the economic, social and environmental aspects, affected by the conventional production model. In the search for support and encouragement, entities emerged focusing on developing models of cooperation capable of subsidizing small production units and contributing to regional development. The Ecovida Agroecology Network is one of these entities, located in the south of the country and that also serves the Cantuquiriguaçu territory. The objective of this research was to identify the management profile of agroecologically based production units, located in the municipality of Laranjeiras do Sul. To extract the data, an applied descriptive research was carried out, with data collection, performed as a survey. As a form of approach it was a predominantly qualitative research, with semi-structured questionnaire. Through interviews, it was possible to identify the socioeconomic profile, production profile, management processes and the perspectives of social reproduction of the eighteen units associated with the Agroecology Ecovida Network in the municipality of Laranjeiras do Sul in the state of Paraná. The results showed that the management profile of agroecologically based production units, located in the municipality of Laranjeiras do Sul are all framed as relatively young, low-educated, with per capita income below the national average. The surveyed producers do not have any physical management control and present good social reproduction possibilities, although they recognize the challenges to do so. Considering all the factors addressed in this paper, it is possible to observe that producers are aware of their values and their importance in the economic and social scenario of the country. Researchers have an understanding of their economic and administrative limitations, but appreciate the way of life they lead and this motivates them to continue in the agroecological model of production.