Origins and characterization of family agroindustries in the far West of Santa Catarina

Abstract

Agroindustrialization represents an alternative for economic inclusion driven by families located in rural areas. This study analyzes the processes of product transformation in the territory of the Association of Municipalities of Far West Santa Catarina. The objective is to analyze the socioeconomic profiles of formal family agroindustries and those with potential for formalization, tracing their establishment trajectories and emphasizing the predominant productive characteristics of these enterprises. The results indicate a mobilization of traditional product know-how initially intended for family self-consumption, which has begun to be commercialized through various social networks. As these products gain recognition, they facilitate the structuring of formal agroindustries, expand production scales, and provide security for investments. These enterprises receive support from cooperation networks and public organizations, while challenges are circumvented, though not entirely eliminated.

Keywords:
rural development; productive insertion; agroindustrialization