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| Author(s): |
Morgane Isabelle Hélène Retiére
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | Piracicaba. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC) |
| Defense date: | 2014-08-28 |
| Examining board members: |
Paulo Eduardo Moruzzi Marques;
Julien Blanc;
Ademir de Lucas
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| Advisor: | Paulo Eduardo Moruzzi Marques |
| Abstract | |
The current scenario of agri-food systems shows a general tendency to everlengthening food supply chain and concentration of distribution channels. However, local experiences are spreading, offering alternative ways to distribute and consume food, recognizing the role of family farming in developing more sustainable food systems. These initiatives, whether coming from civil society or regulated by public policies, aim at reducing geographical and relational distance between producers and consumers. The notion of short food supply chains stirs reflection on the different dimensions of proximity and on the relocalization of food supply. Short food supply chains are understood to be marketing arrangements in which there is, at most, one intermediary between the producer and the final consumer. Our study focuses on certain aspects of the inclusion of family farmers in short marketing channels, looking at the experience of five groups of farmers in the São Paulo State, in the region of Piracicaba and Pontal do Paranapanema. Different types of short food supply chains compose the spectrum of this research: direct selling, street markets, farmers markets, regulated street markets, organized groups of consumers and institutional markets regulated by the National School Feeding Program (PNAE) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA). The objective was to understand the arrangements developed by farmers in terms of agricultural system, work organization and social relations. Data collection was based on literature reviews, participant observations and semi-structured interviews with farmers involved. The functioning of the various short marketing channels was characterized in order to highlight the strategies developed by the farmers. Our research showed that the need for a diverse array of products does not necessarily lead to diversity within agroecosystems. Three strategies were identified: diversifying the farming system, resale of products and food processing. Furthermore, when taking part in short food supply chains, farmers undertake a number of functions and masters a set of skills that are not restricted to productive activity. The additional working time caused by direct selling requires reorganizing the work force, which often leads to division of tasks within the family or within collective producer organizations. The diversity of social relations woven between producers, with consumers and with local agents of agriculture-related organizations, shows that access to markets, including short marketing channels, depends largely on strong social networks. As a conclusion, short food supply chains do not necessarily contribute to the strengthening and recognition of local family farming when there is no differentiation of their products, in relation to those coming from wholesale markets. Indeed, the goods that circulate through wholesale markets come are from unknown origin and their prices do not always reflect the local conditions of production. The information and training of social agents involved (final consumers, public servants and civil society actors) are essential to ensure that short food supply chains constitute indeed an alternative to dominant food systems. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 11/16833-6 - Family farmers in short food supply chains: study of opportunities and adaptations |
| Grantee: | Morgane Isabelle Helene Retiere |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |