Dilemmas of agroecologycal transition in the Caparaó Territory, Espírito Santo State, Brazil

Abstract

This paper discusses the possible ways of agroecologycal transition in the Caparaó Territory, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, among family farmers, with a view to their sustainability. The cases analyzed, as a basis for discussion, were related to the a group of family farmers in Iúna, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, and in the surrounding region, and an farmer in Santa Maria de Jetibá, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, both adopting the organic certified production of arabica coffee, as well as an farmer in Dores do Rio Preto, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, which produces arabica coffee in agroecologycal transition system. We argue that the agroecologycal transition should be worked slowly, always based on socio-economic sustainability, which will demarcate the possible limit at each stage, with the progressive adoption of agroecologycal techniques and environmental suitability of the farm. Thus, it would not be linked necessarily to the deployment of organic certified systems, they may not be the best alternative, mainly if production isspecialized and aimed only to external markets.