Interesses e conflitos em uma experiência de produção de biodiesel no Sul de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The theme of biodiesel has been occupying space in academic discussions, policies and techniques in Brazil in recent years. Gradually it has been created a kind of “consensus” about the importance and legitimacy of this production as an alternative for economic and social development. This study sought to examine an initiative of biodiesel production in a city in southern Minas Gerais in the period from 2000 to 2010 in order to investigate the basis on which it has been constructed this experience. The work was based on qualitative methodology, employing documentary analysis and interviews with key actors involved in the experiment. Through these techniques it was possible to identify various conflicts that have been detected in an attempt to legitimize this proposal. Such conflicts are between “politically and environmentally friendly” discourses that prevail in our societies and changes – social disorganization and reorganization – necessary when an initiative is proposed such as the implementation of a project to produce biodiesel in a municipality.