THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINING RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE RIO PARDO REGION OF RIO GRANDE DO SUL STATE

Abstract

The dependence of the Rio Pardo Valley on the agroindustrial economy of the tobacco is historical. The Rio Pardo Valley is located in the State of Rio Grande do Sul where the tobacco production has been preserved as dominant in the local economy since the second half of the XIX Century. Recent social and economic data show the importance of this agricultural activity. In 2000, the region has reached 58,78% of the total Production Value, against 10,36% reached in all the State of Rio Grande do Sul for the same period. It is known that the vertical integration assures farmers additional commercial value for their products and consequently this is an important reason for the maintenance of the tobacco production as dominant choice by productors. However, in parallel, new experiences are emerging as a result of sustainable agriculture. In that region, productive alternatives with focus in ecological practicises have been developed by Ecovale (a cooperative enterprise) and other organized groups. This article is presented in the circumstances of the International Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The article begins with a critical overview of a predominant produtivist pattern of local agriculture production and follows with a preview of new and sustainable alternatives to the consolidation of an agenda for the agricultural development that is founded on the basis of a sustainable agriculture and the principles of agroecology.