As estratégias de transição agroecológica dos agroecossistemas no sul de Minas Gerais

Abstract

This research sought to investigate, through the elaboration of five articles, which strategies are used in agroecosystems in the south of Minas Gerais that contribute to the agroecological transition. The first article, entitled “The agroecological transition: challenges for sustainable agriculture” presents a history of alternative agriculture, the critical theory of the agroecological transition and analyzes the obstacles to effecting the agroecological transition. The second article, “Organic certification as a management tool for agroecosystems” raises the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats inherent to the organic certification process. The third article, “Profile of organic production in the state of Minas Gerais and the new relationships between production and consumption of food” identifies the spatial distribution in the state of Minas Gerais and how the new relationships of food production and consumption are established from the guarantee of organic quality. The fourth article, “Correlations between compliance assurance mechanisms and the agroecological transition” analyzes two agroecosystems with organic compliance guaranteed by participatory organizations in light of the agroecological transition theory. The fifth article, “Assessment of agroecological performance of agroecosystems in southern Minas Gerais” uses the tool created by FAO to assess four organic agroecosystems of family farming. The set of works highlights the southern region of Minas Gerais in the production of diversified foods, organic coffee and forms of commercialization in networks. The number of producers regularly registered and organized into groups favors responsible governance and local and regional supply, generating trust and traceability. The agroecosystems studied are in an advanced process of agroecological transition and have as strong points the adoption of agroecological practices and management and cultural identity of Minas Gerais. The evaluation tool is useful for quick diagnosis and with reduced costs and must be adapted to the local reality. To reach more complex levels, it is important to consider the integration of animals in agroecosystems, for example, meliponiculture and silvopastoral systems and seek self-sufficiency in the production and use of renewable energy, including the negligible use of fossil fuels.