Alternativas socioeconômicas para os agricultores familiares: o papel de uma associação agroecológica

Abstract

This paper describes the evolution and characteristics of an agricultural association, with reference to the Association for Sustainable Rural Development in Serra da Baixa Verde and its associates. The main motivations that induce farmers to adopt the principles of agroecology in their production units are also highlighted. What characteristics can be observed in the construction of agricultural associations among farmers? What is the role of an association of farmers based on agroecology? What are the main motivations of farmers to take part in this kind of associations? To answer these questions, a group of family farmers in the municipality of Santa Cruz da Baixa Verde in the State of Pernambuco was elected as the object of study. This family has been experienced a process of agroecological transition since the 1990s. By this means, it can be noted, among farmers, a permanent concern to ensure the reproduction of the family unit guided in a better quality of life, which is evident in the presence of socioeconomic values, but also the recovery of cultural and environmental values. It can be also observed, the critical importance of the role of the Association for Sustainable Rural Development of Serra da Baixa Verde to the farmers in the municipality, without which, the farmers could hardly make possible their production based on Agroecology.