Agricultura urbana e periurbana em Dom Pedrito: Associação Pedritense dos Produtores de Hortifrutigranjeiros (APPH)

Abstract

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is the one that occurs in cities and in areas close to them. Provides improvement of families’ lives, through increased income, access to quality food and a cleaner and healthier environment. It is an alternative for managers seeking sustainable local development, having a strong appeal of food security and environmental education. This study used a structured interview, from September 2011 to March 2012, a group composed of nine (09) producers belonging to the Pedritense Association of Producers of fruits and vegetables (APPH), founded by participation in the National School Nutrition Program (PNAE). The objective was to characterize urban agriculture and peri-urban farmers practiced by producers in Dom Pedrito / RS. According to the data analysis we can infer that 67% of farmers practice peri-urban agriculture, the nearest property is located 10 km away from the headquarters of the city and 26 km farther, three producers engage in activity within the urban area. It was observed that farmers have a low educational level (78% had incomplete primary education), 44% are aged between 20 and 40 years and 56% between 41 and 70 years. Just one farmer does not have a rural origin, which is a practitioner of urban agriculture. Regarding to the family income, 55% received 2.5 to 4 times the minimum wage, 88% of the workforce involved in the property is familiar with eventually hiring of people. Regarding the motivation for the activity, personal satisfaction is indicated by most producers. Most use some kind of technology in the activity: irrigation systems, tunnels, greenhouses and mulching. In relation to the respondents, 66% have more than two channels to market their products and the remaining one or two marketing channels. The activity of urban agriculture and peri-urban areas in the municipality is 100% by families, the low level of education does not interfere with growth and development activity, as well as property in general, water can be considered as a limiting factor of production in their availability and quality; PNAE is an excellent marketing channel, bringing security, generating income and prospects for investment and growth of new technologies on the property, making farms more attractive for young people by setting them in the field.