Agricultura familiar como protagonista do cooperativismo em contexto de pandemia: o caso da cooperativa agroindustrial 8 de Junho - Coperjunho

Abstract

This research aimed to analyze how family farming, within the agroecological scope, strengthens and plays a leading role for organizations such as the Cooperativa Agroindustrial 8 de Junho (COPERJUNHO) during the time of the new coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The work was carried out with the organic group from the Settlement 8 de Junho, municipality of Laranjeiras do Sul - PR. The research was characterized as an exploratory-descriptive case study. As a research instrument, semi-structured interviews were carried out through a questionnaire, with the aid of a recorder, and the participants were identified as: interviewee 1, interviewee 2, interviewee 3 and so on, in order to preserve their identities. In addition, a script was elaborated to deepen the reflections during the dialogue, in loco observations and documentary research were carried out through available bibliographic documents. The results showed that the organization effectively contributed to local development, considering the fundamental dimensions of endogenous development. The social organization and agroecologically based agricultural production, that is, the certified organic production observed in the settlement, proves that access to land by these farmers enables the social development of these settlers, as well as generating income for the protagonist families in this context. In order to implement the precepts that represent the agroecological bases, there are some limits and challenges to be analyzed, including: the organization's dependence on the institutional market and little investment in public policies, especially in relation to technical assistance. These are some aspects that make it difficult for producers to continue from an agroecological perspective. The obstacles of the short chains and impasses in reaching the most promising markets limited the organization's performance, since, nowadays, it finds itself paralyzed. The pandemic context showed the transfer, on an emergency basis, of short sales channels to "virtual fairs", as a way to transport production without much loss, due to the paralysis of traditional marketing chains (fairs and markets), which few are resuming their operation and with logistical adaptations to avoid agglomerations. The analyzed farmers pointed out this concern and showed a significant increase in the flow of production at this time of crisis, noting that they managed to remain relevant in this process, based on the relationship of reliability between farmer and consumer, given the awareness of consumers and the search by the origin of food acquired based on agroecological production. It was found that the mobilization of public policies that help short circuits of production and marketing, based on the consumption of locally produced food, has been an important strategy to ensure the supply of food in cities, especially for those who are in a vulnerable situation social. Public policies that mediate and support agroecology initiatives demand an advance in sustainable rural development and need to be maintained, strengthened and expanded. it concerns state policies.