Turismo e agricultura nos municípios litorâneos do estado do Rio Grande do Norte: uma avaliação dos efeitos da atividade turística sobre a produção de alimentos pela agricultura familiar no município de São Miguel do Gostoso/RN

Abstract

This research was realized with intention of understand if, being the tourist activitie an local development tool, also can to accomplish the function of incetivate the agriculture.For it, was realized an case study in the São Miguel do Gostoso county, localized in the homogeneous microregion of the northeastcoast, where was constated the existece of a virtuous relation, but no very knowed, between the dinamism of the coast tourism; the demand increase for agropecuary products; and offer increase of fruits and vegetables and greens, and other types of foods produced for family farmers from the county. Searching a best knowledge about this reality, was realized a case study, based in secondary data referring to economy and the agropecuary sector of the homogeneous microregion and, in special, of the São Miguel do Gostoso county besides an field research, made by interviews and questionnaires applied to groups of marketers producers, independent producers, supermarkets, hostels and restaurants.The results show that as local tourism expands, it generates an demand increase for agricultural products for to supply the necessities needs of tourists and the local population that also expands. The hostels and restaurants interviewed stated that they preferred local products because of several factors, such as price, convenience, local economy stimulation and product quality. About the latter point is related to the fact that local products are exempt from agrochemicals, and all producers interviewed produce organic foods, although they do not have the certification, thus exempt from agrochemicals and other types of chemical products.