Food production by family farming in the municipality Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade (MT) , Legal Amazon

Abstract

Family farming allowed food security and self-sufficiency for rural communities, productive, energetic and ecologic efficiency by appropriate environmental management. The objective of this study was to investigate the food products which are part of the productive system from family farmers of the Seringal Settlement and their respective forms of commercialization. Eighty six farmers were interviewed that are linked to the Association of Latex Producers from Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade / Mato Grosso State. The data were tabulated in a spreadsheet and systematized by absolute and relative frequency statistics. From the interviewees, 69.01% were male, and female managers assumed responsibility only when they were the sole ones responsible for family reproduction. Among the several crops produced cassava is the one appearing most frequently (26.76%). As far as livestock production is concerned, chicken raise is the most important activity, followed by pigs and dairy cattle. The products are intended for family consumption and the surplus is sold. Usually the commercialization is carried out directly with the consumer, however there is a relatively high frequency of cross-sellers, when there is a reduction of up to 40% in the amount paid, when compared to the direct sale to the consumer. Except for the latex extraction, the other agricultural activities are developed in informality. It was concluded that the main agricultural activities done in the Seringal Settlement units are linked to the production for self-consumption, except for rubber tree, whose latex is sold formally by a specific association, while for other products, when available, sales of value added products are made directly to the consumer. These products are also sold by intermediaries (middlemen), with a decrease on the value of commercialization.