Family agriculture commercialization in pandemic times: an analysis of the Vale Do Caí Region – RS

Abstract

COVID-19 has deeply affected the daily lives of the population, triggering a social, political, economic, and environmental crisis. Research conducted in late 2020 by the PENSSAN Network reveals that there has been an expansion of Brazilian households that were food insecure. This insecurity is even more severe in rural areas. This article seeks to discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the direct marketing spaces of family farming in Vale do Caí (Rio Grande do Sul). The article is based on data collected through a research conducted in 2020 as part of the actions of the Regional Development Observatory (OBSERVA-DR) of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) through primary and secondary data. It was found that there are few direct commercialization channels with family farming in the region, but that these channels, in most cases, have not undergone changes or a small reduction in movement. Thus, it was concluded that this fact is highly positive, since it indicates the maintenance of farmers' income, a key element for social reproduction. The research also contributes by demonstrating to society which actors, marketing channels, and foods are rooted in its territory.