Estratégias socioeconômicas dos produtores de leite frente à dinâmica do mercado lácteo.

Abstract

The process of commodification and transformations in the milk production chain defined the research guiding question: the strategies adopted by milk producers to relate to the market and to remain in the activity. The objective of the research was to analyze the strategies of socioeconomic reproduction of milk producers in relation to the expansion dynamics of the dairy industry in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS). For that, a descriptive research was developed, with a qualitative approach, based on semi-structured interviews with COREDE Noroeste Colonial milk producers. Fifty - four (54) interviews were conducted with producers from eleven (11) municipalities of. The dialectical historical materialism made possible the understanding of the structure of the milk production chain (totality), in the state of RS and more specifically of the region of study, from its historical context (historicity). Understanding existing conflicts (contradictions), innovations and changes brought about by development, evaluate the interactions between producers, agents and industry (mediation), resulting in the identification of strategies adopted by milk producers. In addition to the traditional (T), Entrepreneurial (E) and Capitalist - modern / entrepreneurial (C) producers, the study identified a new producer style, called "D" development, based on the overlap of existing styles in COREDE Noroeste Colonial. The results of the study indicated the productive diversity and / or diversification of work activities as a way of guaranteeing sustainability to the condition of milk producer of style "T", "E" and "D", by complementing the income of the property, without necessarily have to strictly specialize in milk production. Modernization and adoption of technologies were strategies of "C", "E" and "D" style producers, who sought to adapt to the Normative Instructions, hygienic and sanitary requirements, as well as improve management and seek greater profitability. The different strategies of socioeconomic reproduction evidenced, as well as the heterogeneity in terms of technology, productivity and costs of each style of milk producer, refer to the relations of commodification established and the interaction with actors of the productive chain. The influence of globalization and the tensions generated by the capitalist dynamics imposed by the market on milk producers point to the need to professionalize management through efficient techniques that are fundamental for defining indicators of economic, social and environmental development, favoring the insertion in markets and in the milk production chain.