Agricultura orgânica no oeste do Paraná:um estudo sobre a associação dos agricultores orgânicos e familiares de Toledo (PROORTO)

Abstract

This paper focusing research about organic agriculture, an expanding area in Brazil because its importance as a source of healthy and ecologically correct food. This is qualitative research that resulted in three articles, equally qualitative in nature, of which the first aimed to discuss and present the introductory concepts of organic production and the organic market from a local and international perspective. The construction of the article was based on secondary data and renowned authors were used for discussions based on 4 topics, these dealing with the concept of organic agriculture; history of agriculture and organic farming from the perspective of agroecology; profile of organic consumers in Brazil and national standards and regulations. For the second article, we sought to identify the importance and potential of organic agriculture (production and commercialization) present on the properties of farmers from the Association of Organic and Family Farmers of Toledo (PROORTO). The research was developed based on the case study and carried out at the Association of Organic and Family Farmers of Toledo (PROORTO). Data collection was carried out on site, with a semi-structured questionnaire, consisting of 64 open and closed questions. The MAXQDA analytical tool was used to analyze the interview data. The third article sought through an investigative process with a proposal to identify the needs of farmers and understand their perceptions about the challenges of being an organic producer. The research was qualitative in nature, focusing on interpretations and observations, using a methodological approach to BARDIN content analysis, together with specific techniques and procedures to analyze the data obtained through 10 interviews, called “facilitators”. Data capture consisted of 25 questions from 10 members of the 12 members of the PROORTO Association, with most questions being open to facilitate understanding of the need for the research, where each interview was recorded in depth between 30 and 55 minutes in length. crazy. It was observed, from the analyzes carried out, that the history of organic agriculture helps to maintain the evolution of sales and acquisition of organic products, aiming at human health and the environment for a more sustainable world. It was found that the commercialization and dissemination of products at small farmers' fairs and local markets helps to boost production. It is concluded that organic agriculture has contributed positively to the production of healthy food and the organization of food to reach consumers. Organic products produced by PROORTO member farmers are significant and important to supply healthy food consumption, despite facing numerous difficulties such as the lack of quality technical assistance and marketing and price difficulties. The producers interviewed consider public policies important for the development of organic agriculture in Brazil, but that they need to be improved to meet the needs of organic family producers.