Agricultoras familiares e cooperativas: um estudo sobre as relações vividas no sul de Minas Gerais.

Abstract

This research analyzes the participation and perspective of family farmers in the cooperative context in the south of Minas Gerais. The involvement of these women in their rural enterprises stands out, ranging from production to financial management. The study revisits the origins of the cooperative model to the present day, considering research and theoretical references. This approach is women have overcome cultural and economic barriers in this market, integrating their actions within their production units and the different management models applied. The main objective is to identify the motivations and obstacles in joining the cooperative system on the part of family farmers in the South of Minas. For this analysis, qualitative research was carried out, enabling a deeper understanding of the reasons behind their choices, their management methods, such as the difficulty in accessing specific financial resources for them, the role of men and the patriarchal structure that influences their choices and the lack of information on public policies aimed at family farming. Furthermore, the issue of family succession in business and the lack of unity among women farmers to make important decisions became evident. The research provided a detailed view of the scenario of the cooperative family farmers surveyed, but also highlights the need for more support, information and inclusion for these women in the cooperative system and in the management of their rural properties.