Encurtando distâncias entre produtores e consumidores: a abordagem da fileira corta para cadeias agroalimentares

Abstract

This master level thesis has addressed a movement that has been consolidated in Europe and has been discussed and disseminated, primarily in Italy: the short supply chain approach. Its main objective is to study short and shortened supply chains in agrifood systems. Short supply chains ought to reduce the number of commercial intermediaries, putting in more direct contact producers and consumers, creating added value in the territory of origin of goods and reinforcing the specificity of products. The short chains are aimed at jump intermediation, allowing to increase farm profit margins by offering better quality products at lower prices to final consumers and fostering the relationship between those who produce and those who consume agrifood products. The economic model of agricultural markets is the direct sale. Short supply chains have strength as the direct relationship between consumer and producer. Some of these factors in purchasing decisions of consumers of products of short chains are: product quality, the link with the territory (typicality, certificates etc.), method of production based on organic farming, and proximity to the consumer market. In particular, it worths the favorable position of the company, in the vicinity of urban centers and tourist sites, historical, archaeological or natural. The main research objective was to describe how can be organized agrifood production chain whose aim is to bring producers and consumers by eliminating intermediate steps and operations. The research method was the multiple case study. The survey was conducted in two stages, one in Italy and another in Rio Grande do Sul. Five Italian agents (two researchers, two entrepreneurs and a class representative) and three entrepreneurs from Rio Grande do Sul were interviewed. We obtained a list of issues involved in shortened operations in Italy and compared with those in Rio Grande do Sul. In the end, there are considerations about how to expand the approach in RS, based on research findings.