Redes Agroalimentares Agroecológicas: Um Estudo de Caso da Dinâmica da OCS EcoBorborema-PB

Abstract

In Brazil, the dynamics of creation and strengthening of ecologically-based Alternative Agrifood Networks derive from intensive processes of struggle, resistance and dialogue between social groups and NGOs with the government. Linked to the expansion of organic agriculture, they ensured the foundation for the establishment of the new legal framework on the production and certification of organic products. Therefore, the organic conformity assessment modality composed by the CSOs is essential for the strengthening of ecologically-based family farming and, consequently, of alternative agrifood networks, as they represent a form of quality assurance based on regional specificities, on trusting relationships and of solidarity. Within the scope of the diversity of OCSs that were created in Brazil, in the semi-arid region of the state of Paraíba, there is the OCS EcoBorborema, which is a family farming organization that works in a network with the Pólo Sindical and the AS-PTA in the Territory of Borborema, working to strengthen family farming based on the principles of agroecology and the social construction of new markets. Thus, it is essential to make visible, understand and analyze the importance of these networks for the strengthening of agroecology and family farming in the territories where they emerge. Therefore, it is essential to carry out investigative processes that will strengthen such dynamics, in order to guarantee information on how such processes are taking place, in order to allow the improvement of local action strategies according to the real demand of farmers and, consequently, of consumers. Therefore, the objective of this research was to analyze and understand the dynamics inherent to the agroecological agro-food network EcoBorborema-PB, from the process of the Organization of Social Control and commercialization. We opted for a qualitative approach with a systemic focus, from the logic of participant research, the empirical investigation method adopted was the case study of the experience of EcoBorborema. Therefore, OCS EcoBorborema is an agrifood network resulting from the junction of the agro-ecological movement and union renewal, based on the network work carried out in the territory of Borborema, since 1993, by AS-PTA and Pólo Sindical da Borborema. This process is imbued with socioorganizational and technological innovations and the construction of new markets. Currently, Eco-Borborema has shown great organizational potential, as it is one of the CSOs in the state of Paraíba that covers the largest number of municipalities (10) and farmers (114) included in the CNPO, has a network of 12 fairs agroecological and a series of activities that encompass the production, processing of products and commercialization.