ORGANIZATION OF ORGANIC FARMERS IN A PERI-URBAN AREA OF SÃO PAULO

Abstract

Organic farming (OF) is increasingly considered as a possible alternative for designing a "new rural" in Brazilian communities, where organic farming covers a wide range of production and certification systems. However, the ways small farmers adopt organic farming in "green belts" to conquest a urban demand in organics have not been investigated extensively. We explored this issue with a case study in the wide community of Ibiúna, located close to three main cities of São Paulo state. This survey shows how small farmers were organised or organise themselves to meet urban demands and develop organic production. Based on secondary data, we identified the number and location of organic farmers in Ibiuna. We conducted interviews with farmers, technical and political officers, organic inspectors and leaders from various producers associations. In a first stage we introduce our theoretical framework, based on the characterisation of social forms of organisation, their dynamics and relations. Catholic church initiatives in the late 80s led to generate a strong link between small farmers and citizens from poor communities of São Paulo. The structuring effect of an enterprise created in the early 90s is still prevalent, and it has been a constant reference for all stakeholders interviewed. Secondly, we describe the universe of this research and describe the development process of organic farming as a social project, with economic and environmental interactions in Ibiúna. This territory has a multiple status: it is valued as a resort for citizens and for tourist activities; it also contributes to water supply in close metropolis. Tension appears between the consequences of human activities on soil or water resources and higher expectation in terms of environmental quality. Thirdly, we analyse the development of various organisations forms and initiatives, dedicated to organic production and distribution. Today, we can identify four (04) basic forms of social organisation that express a priori different concepts about the market and the organic farming. We propose a comprehensive description of the forms encountered. The association related with catholic church presently includes over 50 farmers, but only two of them are formally certified in Organic farming. The enterprise made a significant number of producers convert to organic farming, including 70 farmers in the same micro-basin whose production is now clearly identified in cities supermarkets. However, problems arised and two derived forms of producers organizations emerged: an organic farmers association and a section created within a cooperative. They are consistent with specific marketing channels and certification processes. Although they share some objectives, namely in visual "quality" of products and "right price" for both producer and consumer, differences appear in their magnitude and internal operation, their values and relations with consumers, their technical and environmental contents. Finally, we introduce elements likely to secure the social renewal of farmers groups and discuss the way they can face risks, overcome difficulties and sustain new avenues for development.