Socioeconomic analysis of peri-urban family production in the city of Dom Pedrito-RS: a preliminary study of organic lettuce production

Abstract

This paper shows a socioeconomic analysis of the periurban family production of organic lettuce in the municipality of Dom Pedrito-RS. The sample universe envolves two peri-urban horticultural family farmers, considered one of the main farmers in the region. One vegetable garden is located in Rincão da Figura and the other one in São Gregório zone. Methodologically, we used case study techniques to immerse ourselves in the sampled universe. An in-depth interview was conducted with the researched farmer. Through immersions in the rural farms, we sought to understand details about the farmers organization, production and family logic. The visits were carried out in locus in the two gardens studied. The data were analyzed using the Textual Discoursing Analysis. The production is carried out exclusively with family labor and with minimal use of chemical insumes, characterizing one transition steps to organic production. The production is commercialized at the Municipal Fair, on Fridays in the central square, and through the supply to three more stores in the city (small markets). It can be concluded that although there is competition considered to be strong in the marketing of lettuce by large distribution networks, it appears that it is profitable to produce and market them, thus constituting an alternative source of income and job creation in family farming. As well as, periurban production assists in transforming unoccupied spaces into productive spaces.

Keywords

• agricultura periurbana
• agricultura familiar
• alface orgânica
• análise socioeconômica