Potencialização da agricultura familiar a partir do cooperativismo: percepção dos associados de uma cooperativa na região missioneira

Abstract

The research carried out sought to analyze the influence of cooperativism on the development of family agriculture in the perception of farmers associated with a cooperative in the Missioneira region. The theoretical references used were family farming, concepts and perspectives, the historical evolution of cooperatives and the commercialization of family farming products through the PAA and PNAE. Regarding the methodology, it is a qualitative study, using primary data, which were obtained through semi-structured interviews, carried out with 16 family farmers associated with a cooperative in the Missioneira region. As for the results found by the research, it was noticed that the vast majority of family farmers are over 50 years old, and in almost half of the properties there is no prospect of family succession. In addition, it was noticed that the cooperative has great influence on the commercialization of family farming products through the programs, bringing several benefits, such as guaranteed delivery, and increased income for producers. The main difficulties faced by family farmers were related to inspection problems, competition from other producers and the lack of incentives for production. The programs could include more producers if there was more interest from farmers and if they received more incentives from local entities. All interviewees stated that the cooperative made them stronger, being the easiest way for farmers to access the programs. It was found that the cooperative seeks to make its members deliver their products, having a great contribution to the permanence of the commercialization of products from family farming, increasing the visibility of farmers and their products.