Impactos da pandemia de covid-19 sobre a produção e comercialização de alimentos orgânicos em Chapecó-SC

Abstract

The production of organics by family farms gradually grows over the years. The state of Santa Catarina is one of the largest producers of organic products, being considered a major distributor and consumer of these products. In the city of Chapecó-SC, the production and sale of organic food has evolved, driven by the population's demand for more nutritious, healthy and pesticide-free products. The main means of marketing these products are through local agriculture markets, which move the economy and are an income alternative for family farmers. The objective of this work is to characterize and identify the main impacts of the Covid -19 pandemic on the production of organic products in the city of Chapecó-SC. The survey was conducted from January to February 2021, in the municipality of Chapecó-SC. Data collection was carried out through remote interviews with organic producers that sell their products in agricultural markets in the city (n=8). The results indicate that organic producers are characterized by family farming and socio-environmental awareness. Organic production is also an alternative for generating income and strengthening the relationship with consumers. The study also identified an increasing demand for organic products, driven by the demand for healthier and pesticide-free foods, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The expansion of the organic market, however, depends on strategies and public policies to promote production, with a focus on technical assistance and production efficiency. The Covid-19 pandemic directly affected family farmers, especially those who sold their products in local and institutional markets, with loss of sales and family income. However, some farmers have reinvented themselves by adopting new forms of commercialization.