CHARACTERIZATION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN THE TERRITORY OF VALE DO IVAÍ, STATE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

The expansion of organic production to new areas and groups of producers has increasingly demanded the attention of research and development agents working on this issue in the state of Paraná, Brazil. In this context, among various initiatives for the organization of state organic production, the territory of Vale do Ivaí stands out, comprising 26 municipalities in north-central state. This paper presents the general characteristics of organic production, characterizing the production systems of that area. The methodology was based on a systemic approach used in the “networks of references for family farming”. The survey comprised 128 farmers, 59.4% of which worked with consolidated organic production or were in transition from tradicional to organic production. The characterization was based on the share of organic products in total gross income (TGI), which should produce values equal to or greater than 50% of TGI. Among these 76 farmers, the production systems based on the production of passion fruit stood out, followed by olericulture, grains and cereals, fruit culture and milk, coffee, agribusiness; and systems specialized in milk. The organization and the strengthening of the “networks of references for family farming” consolidate them as important and useful tools in the actions of rural territorial development of the territory of Vale do Ivaí.