Rural producer development programs in Brazil

Abstract

Rural producer development or integration programs in Brazil are partnerships between industries and farmers that have been practiced since the 70's in Brazil. These models emerged from the need for dependable supply of raw materials produced on family farms, principally tobacco growing and pig farming. In the forestry sector, most of these programs emerged in the 80's. To date, these partnerships have attracted a growing number of producers given the advantages offered, especially a guaranteed income. Thus, the object of this research was to investigate the principal programs of rural producer development and integration in Brazil and compare their benefits. The main programs are from industries of tobacco cultivation, pig farming, poultry raising and forestry. It was observed that these programs have benefited farmers, mainly improving the quality of their production because of technical specifications and requirements. It is concluded that beyond the technical expertise, these programs provide benefits to society, given that contracts increasingly require the achievement of legal requirements and other matters related to environmental and social concerns.