Agroecologia ou agricultura orgânica: reflexões a partir dos processos de certificação na agricultura familiar

Abstract

This paper presents discussions about the certification of organics in Brazil, listing the historical processes of construction of the legal frameworks of the current legislation, as well as the regulations required to obtain the organic seal. Organic Agriculture refers to the production system, based on technical requirements for cultivation and management of agroecosystems, which must be free of chemical contaminants. In the meantime, we present the certification processes of Organic Products, in force in Brazil, from the organic legislation that governs the procedures for obtaining the seal. The certification processes provided for by law refer to technical elements of productive, environmental and economic scope to be incorporated into production systems. However, by understanding Agroecology as an emerging rural development paradigm, as a way of life, and therefore, beyond agricultural practices, organic legislation may be reinforcing distortions in understanding the differences between the two concepts and by emphasizing the technical character of Organic Farming, may be obstacles to family farming in obtaining the seal and even marketing of products. Thus, the perception of agroecological farmers about the certification mechanisms of organic products is presented, identifying motivations and challenges faced by them in the search and/or maintenance of certification. Therefore, a qualitative approach research was carried out from the Multiple Case Study, consisting of three families of agroecological family farmers immersed in production certification processes, in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul. The narratives presented by the interviewees, as well as the direct observations made on the properties, point to the current certification processes as complex and sometimes incompatible with the reality of family farming. Respondents highlight as the main motivating element for certification the search for recognition of their "lifestyles". It is observed in this context that the motivation for product certification is not in the pursuit of profitability or markets (historically occupied by farmers and legitimized by consumers based on relationships of trust), but in the field of recognition, exchange of experiences and construction. from the participatory certification mechanisms (SPG and OCS). It concludes by contextualizing the socio-productive reality of the interviewed farmers' families as in line with Agroecology, recognizing from their lifestyles elements beyond Organic Agriculture. Finally, it is suggested that the certification processes, considering Agroecological Products as synonymous with Organic, are not able to legitimize Agroecology as a way of life in family farming, thus pointing to the limits of the organic certification processes in force in the country, when thought of for this category.