The integration of family farming with small agroindustry

the experience of the Fruit Pulp chain in municipally of Apodi, state of the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Abstract

This article aims to analyze small fruit pulp agroindustry and highlight initial processes of small-scale rural industry in the municipality of Apodi, state of the Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The methodology consisted of two moments: i) field research, from june to october 2013, with mapping of fruit pulp houses and identification of fruit pulp producers municipality, having visited and interviewed a total of 66 families that constituted 24 productive groups; and ii) with actions and 16 interviews that took place until 2016 and 2019. It was found that the production of fruit pulp was due to the action of each rural community, most of them agrarian reform settlements, and that the majority of groups structured agri-food systems (agroecological backyards), processed artisanal products in kitchens or in home extensions and built markets. Afterwards, he managed to organize a cooperative, structure a pulp agribusiness, legalize the product and expand markets. Therefore, there is still dependence on public purchasing policies, as a guarantee of the market for fruit pulp from the municipality of Apodi.