Circuitos curtos de comercialização: um estudo sobre a CECAFES

Abstract

Currently, according to many scholars in the field, there is an impressive growth in a variety of new food production and trade circuits, which are situated for the conventional agriculture model. An example of this is the short marketing channels (CCC). These seek to build a direct relationship between producers and consumers. This initiative is conceived, by governments, civil society organizations, and academia, as an important strategy in shaping an alternative agri-food system. Research on this topic is still largely concentrated in the northern hemisphere. In spite of this, it is possible to verify the extent to which the short commercialization circuits developing gaining space in the southern hemisphere, and in view of this, studies are needed that reflect upon this new scenario and explain how specifics guide this discussion. Within this context, the objective of this research is to understand the dynamics of Short Commercialization Circuits, taking as a reference the experience of CECAFES in Rio Grande do Norte. This work has an exploratory and descriptive character, and was used as an “inter method triangulation”. Among the techniques, they were adopted as field classification, matter with closed and open questions (with thirty producers and consumers) and semi-structures, with four actors. The results show that the consumer's option for this type of market is guided, to a large extent, by concerns related to their own health, low prices, or convenience in locomotion, revealing little socio-environmental commitment. It can be said that most producers have followed a path in search of an alternative agri-food system and that this process has been partly due to the requirement of the institution and partners, and on the other hand, by the consumer, who has sought healthier foods. This consumer has a strong relationship of trust with producers, for example, they consider the word of the farmer more relevant than certification. In addition, producers are having greater autonomy in their work, and the certainty that they will receive for the product sold. It is worth mentioning that, a small part of the producers buy food suppliers that are not family farmers. Another point worth mentioning is that the Central does not yet guarantee, for a significant part of the producers, a satisfactory financial return. From this scenario, what we have is that CECAFES is a small seed, willing to resist, even if it is in the face of “agri-food empires” (PLOEG, 2008).