O uso da estratégia associativa no desenvolvimento da agricultura familiar nos municípios lindeiros do Lago de Itaipu/PR

Abstract

Family agribusiness emerges as a relevant alternative for income diversification, value addition and job generation. However, this sector confronts several challenges that limit its development, standing out the high level of informality and low adherence to Inspection System. In this context, Animal Origin Product (AOP) chains are at a critical discussion point, especially regarding to safe food production from sanitary, socially fair and sustainable point of view. The present study aimed to investigate the current situation of AOP production and processing in municipalities of the Western Region of Parana State. Based on collected data, possible impacts of implementing a consortium among municipalities bordering Lake Itaipu were analyzed, focusing on validation of products originating from family farming, especially with regard to monitoring and sanitary inspection of AOP. The proposal aims to improve compliance with sanitary standards, increase AOP production and diversify agricultural families’ income. For this purpose, it was adopted an interview-based methodology, in that participants answered a set of questions related to inspection systems and producer adherence in their respective regions. Obtained data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, in order to comprehensively and understand the faced difficulties. Results indicated that actual situation presents limiting factors: most professionals do not act exclusively as SIM managers; slaughterhouses shortage with permanent inspection, and inhabitant’s number, GDP per capita and HDI do not influence agro-industries number. Regarding to inspection agencies, there is a lack of interest from producers, absence of adequate physical structure, bureaucracy and low incentive from government officials. However, it was noted that there is a close relationship between producers and municipal leaders and that managers and producers do not show benefits knowledge of implementing Inspection Systems through an Intermunicipal Consortium. It is expected that consortium implementation have positive impacts, especially in terms of health compliance, increased production and improvement of socioeconomic factors. This initiative can be considered a viable solution to overcome limits confronted by family agribusinesses, promoting more sustainable and equitable region development. Obtained data in this study and the possibilities discussed regarding to consortium viabilization can contribute significantly to formulation of public policies more effective and to development of strategies aimed at strengthening family farming and agribusiness in Parana State, Western Region.