Agricultura familiar e meio ambiente: um estudo exploratório no município de Itaqui/RS

Abstract

The abusive use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural production is known to contribute to the emergence of social and environmental problems, especially the depletion and pollution of productive resources, compromising the production of family agriculture. These environmental impacts of agricultural activity add to the environmental problems experienced by contemporary society, requiring a rethink of production and consumption based on the principle of sustainability. Concern about issues related to the use of sustainable practices in the production process requires a critical stance aimed at analyzing the environmental problems experienced by family farming, in addition to the environmental impacts caused by the intensive agricultural and industrial model that have negative effects on the agroecosystem. In this sense, it is justified to conduct an exploratory study on environmental problems in family farming in the municipality of Itaqui/RS. As an investigative strategy, it uses a field research focused on the reality of family farming supported by bibliographical study. Farmers from the localities of Passo da Cachoeira and Curuçu were interviewed. Research institutions, the government and EMATER-ASCAR have been found to play a key role in disseminating knowledge and technical guidance to farmers. Most recyclables are burned and then buried in the back of the yard. There was no considerable use of personal protective equipment for pesticide application, with reuse of pesticide packaging. There are no public policies for selective collection and it is suggested to the public authorities to study a new way of working the waste disposal in rural areas and the elaboration of technical studies for the survey of the pollutant potential of this region, as well as the promotion of courses and accompaniment and health to local agro-industries.