O papel do cooperativismo agropecuário no desenvolvimento territorial: o caso da Cooperativa Mista dos Pequenos Agricultores da Região Sul Ltda (COOPAR)

Abstract

The agricultural cooperatives are relevant for providing numerous services to associated producers. It is the cooperative branch with the largest number of active cooperatives, the third in the number of members, and the first in the number of employees. Thus, it constitutes an important economic activity and form of social organization, capable of helping to face significant challenges. Concerning territorial development, the exploration of the role of cooperatives is relevant since they are organizations made up to alleviate local deficiencies related to market problems, income generation, and territorial development. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of an agricultural cooperative in territorial development. The Actor-Oriented Perspective theory was adopted to help understand the role of each actor in the heterogeneous context related to territorial development. A case study of exploratory character and qualitative analysis was carried out. The object of study was the Mixed Cooperative of Small Farmers in the South Region (COOPAR), which has its administrative headquarters located in the municipality of São Lourenço do Sul (RS). Data collection was performed with semi-structured interviews with different actors (cooperators, managers, and specialists) who work in territorial development. Two scripts were developed to carry out the interviews: one for cooperative members and the other for specialists who work in the development of their communities. A total of 10 social actors were interviewed: six milk-producing associates, two managers, and two specialists. Overall, it was possible to observe that the agricultural cooperative contributes to territorial development in social, economic, technological, and cultural dimensions through the generation of employment, income, taxes, technical assistance to cooperative members, and support to events and fairs. This perspective is fundamental for allowing the development of cooperatives and acknowledgment of their relevance to the community.