Rural social development: small-scale horticulture in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Summary

This chapter examines how small-scale horticultural farmers in Ibiúna, São Paulo, Brazil, are organized, or organize themselves, to capture urban demand and develop organic production. The case study starts from the theoretical viewpoint that organic farming is a social strategy, committed to creating spaces for agricultural production in order to rebuild rural communities. The study uses an institutional framework to investigate modes of organization, and the dynamic of economic and social relations. Secondly, the study characterizes the process of organic farming as social development in Ibiúna, and identifies contingent economic and environmental interactions. Thirdly, the study analyses the evolution of organizational forms through various initiatives to aid production, certification and distribution, and shows how stakeholders can select and marginalize farmers. Finally, the chapter outlines those elements of social organic development, and discusses available strategies to reduce the risk inherent in sustainable alternative avenues for organic sector development.