VIRTUAL COOPERATIVE SYSTEM: THE CASE OF THE COOPERATIVA DE PRODUÇÃO AGROINDUSTRIAL FAMILIAR DE NOVA VENEZA (COOFANOVE), IN SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL

Abstract

Virtual cooperatives stand as an alternative form of cooperation when compared to the traditional model. One of the many differences is that for its effectuation, investments in facilities and equipment are not necessary, as each member of the cooperative uses their own Family Unit of Production (FUP) and the cooperative’s role is to legalize the production of these FUPs. The objective of this paper is to study how these virtual cooperatives are organized and work by means of a case study of the Cooperativa de Produção Agroindustrial Familiar de Nova Veneza (Coofanove), a cooperative located in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The methodology used in this research was exploratory. As to the procedure, this research used the case study with a qualitative approach, by taking as a tool for data collection the questionnaire given to twelve of the twenty-two members. The results of the field research were positive in several respects: the permanence of these families in the countryside with higher income; the awakening of the cooperative spirit and solidarity among members; and a distinguished and innovative model that could be stimulated in other Brazilian cities and regions.

Index terms: Coofanove, solidarity economy, virtual cooperatives.