|
|
 |
Organization, Structure and Lessons Learned in Southeast Brazil |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Organization and structure of the organic sector
In Brazil there are different levels of organization related to the organic sector. In the three southern states, Rede Ecovida de Agroecologia is the main one. National organizations such as ABA (Brazilian Association on Agroecology) and ANA (National Articulation on Agroecology) are also present in the south. Both focus not on organic farming but rather on agro-ecology, but they have among their members a significant portion of NGOs and farmers that work with organic agriculture.
The strength of REA is its holistic approach to organic farming, connecting production closely to the market, and creating producer-consumer relationships based on solidarity and awareness of health and the environment. Instead of developing and growing into a big national organization, one successful strategy of the REA organizations has been to work in local organizations that are not too big, to create strong local partnerships and develop the local market, at the same time serving as an example, spreading their experiences through larger networks.
The main image of agro-ecology is that it is a way to improve livelihoods in the rural areas and stop environmental degradation.
Supporting structures: Research, education, extension
The work with organic farming as a whole and especially in the south started and was developed through the efforts of NGOs and family farmers. It was not an issue included in government activities and policies. As time passed, rural extension and rural education systems started in a very timid way to incorporate organic agriculture as an option. In most of these systems that still is due more to the individual interest of some professionals rather than an institutional decision.
The main tool used by NGOs to spread the issue of organic agriculture was the theoretical-practical training both of professionals and farmers. This always involved studying the political issues and technical principles of organic farming system as well as visits to farms already working with this system, and farmer-to-farmer exchange.
Lessons learned:
Diversified production for the local/domestic market is profitable for farmers and efficient to sustain agro-ecosystems and reduce pesticide use.
Cooperation among farmers and between farmers/farmers organizations and NGOs is crucial to organic development.
Organic production gives the best results when connected with processing, distribution, and marketing.
Participatory certification has been a major tool for building trust in organic products and a basis for solidarity between producers and consumers.
The generation and dissemination of knowledge and information is an important factor.
The media and schools are strong tools for spreading information and increasing consumer awareness.
Strong networks, common goals and approaches, and good examples give opportunities to work with the government on development of agricultural policy
Efficient extension and education involves farmer-to-farmer exchange and theoretical-practical training both of professionals and farmers
(Author Maria José Guazzelli and Laercio Meeirelles)
Further Reading on Southeast Brazil's Organic Sector development:
Case Studies for Early Organic Development
Early Organic Agricultural Development
Early Market Development for Organic Agriculture
Regulatory Framework for Organic Development
Organization, Structural Support, and Lessons Learned
IFOAM is constantly updating the information on this website. Comments or suggestions contact the Platform Coordinator
Back to the Growing Organic main page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
