Cooperativas da agricultura familiar : o caso das cooperativas do território médio Alto Uruguai e sua contribuição para o desenvolvimento regional.

Abstract

This dissertation has as purpose a study performed on Agricultural Cooperatives Familiar from Territory of the Medium High Uruguay (TMAU-Território do Médio Alto Uruguai), located in the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul. The central question relates to the management applied to cooperatives, with purpose oriented activities primary sector and its contribution to regional development through the use of a management model that made possible the analysis focused on sustainability. The study had the following objectives: to know the performance of agricultural cooperatives in the family from TMAU; diagnose the current organization of cooperatives and their relationships with family agriculture, as well analyze the management models used. The study revealed also the heterogeneity of organizations, enabling split them into groups. The cooperatives that were founded and constituted in social movements from discussions of base presented better organization because using appropriate management methods to their reality; contributed to the sustainability of the cooperative; satisfy their desires socioeconomic, improved the life conditions and promoted the social inclusion of associated members. The cooperatives even created on the social bases, however did not use the tools and management methods, presented difficulties for perform its activities, although they have collaborated in a partial way for the progress of associated members. In contrast, those who had no managerial methodology presented difficulties of organization and development, lying dormant and on the verge of disappearing (soon to disappear). It was found that the ratio of cooperatives with other organizational structures contributed positively to the discussions involving family farming. Allied to this initiative and the use of management models, it was proven that agricultural cooperatives familiar have favorable conditions to organize their activities, contributing to the quality of services provided, improve farmer´s lives, in addition to adding income and promote the social inclusion.