INFORMAL FAMILY AGROINDUSTRIES: THE CASE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTA CRUZ DO SUL - RS / BRAZIL

Abstract

Its purpose was to analyze the concrete and contextual conditions that influence family farmers to "bet" on the   informality   of agriculture industry processes. Family farming has been constantly challenged to remain present and  active   in   the   territory, amidst a global scenario strongly inclined towards specialization  of   agricultural   activities.   One   alternative   that   has   been developed throughout history is the processing of raw materials, especially foods, which consists of the know how   transmitted throughout the generations among family farmers. For the empiric confirmation of this research, the territory of Santa Cruz  do Sul was contemplated. The method used in the research consists of the theoretical assumptions rooted in the base  of   dialectic historical materialism. Thus, it presents conflicts and contradictions regarding informal foods processing activities as a  relevant sociocultural and economical reference for the territory. Moreover, it   analyzes   the   sanitary   demands   and   the   production traditions, processing, consumption and commercialization of  foods   in   short   commodity   chains.   It   was   found   that   the informality in family agriculture industries is not simply a transitory situation, as per a few studies. It is the system of diversified production, processing of raw materials and commercialization that provides sustainability, as families' strategies of production and reproduction. In the context of this research, informality presents itself as resistance. It manifests as a factor to be  thought over, in the face of the transformations caused by the global domination mechanisms.