Os pequenos produtores face às transformações no agronegócio do leite em Minas Gerais: estudo de caso

Abstract

This study analyzes the relations and alternatives to Minas small dairy production in face ofthe milk agribusiness in the context ofthe economic and institutional transformations taken place over the period of 1995/2000. The research work was based, chiefly, upon qualitative methodology through the case study in the towns ofLavras and Bom Despacho situated in two important dairy regions of the state of Minas Gerais. Data collection was performed through the direct application ofquestionnaires and itineraries structured and semi-structured together with the farmers, in addition to the fíeld observations, raising information on the fiinctioning of management, work, technology and business for milk and other agricultural products. For understanding the functioning ofagribusiness , representatives ofdairy factories ofseveral sizes in addition to extension technicians of governmental or non-governmental organizations were interviewed. The study reveals that Lavras farmers present a greater proportion in the recurrence to agricultural activities alternative to dairy production , whereas in Bom Despacho, production is more concentrated on animal farming. In both cases, non-agricultural activities are utilized to complement income. The relations with the dairy agro-industries are also distinct in both towns, showing different leveis of integration of farmers to the policies ofthe dairy factories. On the part ofthe industry, an economical and technological unevenness is realized, which would come to influence also the relations with farmers. The economical and institutional transformations in milk agribusiness affect the survival and development ofthe small farm but also are factors influencing the economical re-conversion of those individuais and the social-economical aspects in the local and regional range.