The ecological agriculture in the COREDE Vale do Caí (RS- Brasil)

Abstract

This dissertation aim as its main goal to unveiling the state of art in ecological agriculture and organic agriculture in the COREDE Vale do Caí, in Rio Grande do Sul State and demonstrate their feasibility and socio-economic. As well as, understand the process of ecological transition experienced. In addition to this, this study seeks to analyze and measure the production and identify the room available in the market for the regional organic farming. Ecological agriculture in the region was developed by farmers due to their concern about agrochemical use and it was fed through debates with ecological agronomists who brought in the community the scientific foundations for the family farming people interested in an alternative out of the Green Revolution Standard. The most fertile field for these ideas to enroot were the citriculturists descended from German immigrants settled since the early XIX in this region. The ethnic composition as a support for the transformation of the agrarian system of the region might be explained by the ancestral knowledge passed down through generations as cultural heritage of the immigrants. It is important to stress that the immigrants long ago did not use, in its origins, the modern agrochemicals, on the contrary, they worked based on natural farming practices with observation and respect to natural cycles. On this natural base and natural farming, the family farming community was trained in the science of agroecology through scientific guidance to the steps which made sustained agriculture possible. In this context, the gathering of groups and associations of agroecologists were established naturally and became embryos for cooperatives and other groups in memberships associations which are representative for and get together their efforts and interests besides organizing, distributing and trading their organic production.