O Sistema Agroindustrial e a Viabilidade Econômica da Pecanicultura no Rio Grande do Sul.

Abstract

The cultivation of pecan trees began to be commercially explored in Brazil in the 1970s, when several enterprises were implemented. Currently, the production is growing, driven by the increased consumption of healthy foods and the appreciation of the product in the market, being considered an alternative for diversification both the productive matrix and income, as it can be grown in association with other crops. The evolution of pecan farming in Rio Grande do Sul has been accompanied by the structuring of a production chain that requires knowledge of the countless variables that affect all its links, from the supply of inputs to the final consumer. In this sense, this work aimed to describe the agro-industrial system and carry out an economic viability analysis of the pecan nut agricultural production in Rio Grande do Sul. The description of the pecan agro-industrial system made it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the chain, enabling the indication of improvements that may contribute to its future strengthening. In addition, since the agricultural crop is the basis of the agro-industrial system and because pecan farming is still little known, the analysis of the economic viability of the crop made it possible to identify the profitability and risks of the activity. To achieve the objective of the research, interview scripts were prepared for the analysis of the agro-industrial system. The interviews were carried out with producers, technicians representing support and development organizations and agroindustry owners. Collecting data from the agro-industrial system agents allowed the identification of the economic agents that make up the agro-industrial system, as well as the identification of opportunities and challenges in its different links and environments. The structures and mechanisms that contribute to the coordination of the agro-industrial system were identified and it was possible to conclude that pecan farming is suitable for agricultural diversification in the State. For the economic viability analysis, a representative property was chosen for the survey of production costs and matriz produtivainterview with the owner. The survey of production costs showed that the price paid to the producer does not follow the significant increase in production costs. It was also verified that in the 10th year, 12th year and from the 14th year the activity generated profit and income for the producer. From the analysis of the economic viability indicators, it was possible to conclude, based on the reality of the productive unit studied in this work, that the enterprise did not prove to be viable in the horizon of 30 years. It is also concluded that with an increase of 23.62% in the average productivity or an increase of 21.51% in the real selling price, the analyzed enterprise reaches the break-even point.