TRAJECTORY AND CURRENT SITUATION OF ECOLOGICALLY-BASED AGRICULTURE IN BRAZIL AND IN THE STATE OF SAO PAULO

Abstract

The objective of this study is to present the current situation of the development of ecologically-based production in Brazil and in the State of São Paulo. In this way, the history of the emergence and expansion of ecologically-based agriculture was recovered. Production and market diversity, the motivating elements of this expansion, and obstacles were identified, taking the current context into account. In order to reach the goals of this research we conducted a socioeconomic interpretation of collected statistical data and an analysis of interviews carried out with diverse social agents and economic organizations. The results are as follows: a) trajectory of the emergence and expansion of ecologically-based agriculture; b) identification of the development stage of ecologically-based production in Brazil; c) identification of the development of ecologically-based production in the State of São Paulo; d) identification and characterization of production chains that are respectively certified for exportation and local markets; e) comments on various production and market aspects, based on the studies of cases conducted within the scope of the Global Org project, the author's research actions and especially on the ongoing transition process. The results presented are findings that must subsidize the creation of public policies in the scope of the development of production and commercialization of organic food products in this country.