Conflitos e alianças na construção de referências na cafeicultura orgânica do Sul de Minas Gerais

Abstract

How farmers have become references on the field of organic coffee production in South of Minas Gerais? This question has guided research in region South of Minas Gerais, Brasil, which is recognized for its important coffee production. In that region, farmers who traditionally practiced conventional agriculture as well as organized family farmers have dedicated to organic growth. Using qualitative methodology 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with actors involved in organic coffee production in South of Minas Gerais, from February to August 2008. The data collected were interpreted through analysis of content and indicate the existence of different characteristics among producers considered as a reference in organic coffee growth in that region. Such differences reflect structures and social relations previous to the producers’s adhering to organic production, and these characteristics are important for defining the organic production field. To be recognized as a reference in this field implies power gain for these actors. Despite their different trajectories, those producers approached one another in this social space and developed unusual alliances.