Diagnóstico sobre o desenvolvimento da agroecologia na região do Alto Uruguai Gaúcho (RS)

Abstract

The family farming has been responsible for most basic food production to the population, contributing to the urban supply through the diversified activities. In the Alto Uruguay Gaucho region, it represents 90.8% of rural properties and develops main agricultural activities like, livestock, grain production, family agribusiness, horticulture, and rural tourism generally managed together in the farm. The Center for Support and Promotion of Agroecology (Centro de Apoio e Promoção da Agroecologia - CAPA) and the Technology Center for Popular Alternatives (Centro de Tecnologias Alternativas e Populares - CETAP) are two ONGs, which act as Technical and Rural Extension organizations, promoting rural development based in agroecology principles. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the actions taken by CAPA and the CETAP in the region, as well as carry out a survey on the number of farmers attended, the main crops and their approaches and managements, products that have agroecology certification, local and trade routes and conduct a survey on the frequency and quality of rural extension and technical assistance of ONGs.The diagnosis was carried out through observations and semi-structured interviews with a professional and six farmers of each organization. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized descriptively. Currently it is attended 610 families of farmers by two ONGs, these 110 families already have Ecovida participatory certification network in the region and sell a wide range of products produced within the agroecology principles and in accordance with the organic production law, which supply local markets and integrate other marketing networks. The CAPA and CETAP were pioneer entities in developing agroecology experiences in the Alto Uruguay Gaucho region and are responsible for the insertion of families in the agroecology products markets. To promote the expansion of organic production based on the agroecology principles, it is essential to develop more public politics for ATER agencies and trained professionals to develop these actions. For further deepening this topic in the region, more research is needed with ONGs. Keywords: Family agriculture. Production. Market.