Agroecology, participatory certification and territorial diversity in Paraíba

Abstract

The present article presents some preliminary results of the research being developed with the
Postgraduate Program in Geography of the Federal University of Paraíba - UFPB at doctoral
level. It is based on the precepts of Agroecology and the analytical framework of Geography
and aims to reflect on some processes of the agroecological transition in the state of Paraíba.
Understanding Agroecology as a constantly improving model of agriculture capable of generating
local development and strengthening territorial identities. The objective is to know the
agroecological production of Paraíba in order to reflect on the levels of sustainability and the
different territorializations of the state. We have as empirical object the 16 associations registered
in the Ministry of Livestock and Supply - MAPA as Organization of Social Control - OCS,
denomination given by the public policy to those associations exempted from certification by
directly market their products with the consumers through the markets. The exemption of certification
is granted to associations that somehow attest to the quality of production to society.
This is usually done through organizational formats: the existence of an internal regiment;
Ethics committee; Provision of visits and exchange of properties; Laboratory analysis, etc. The diverse universe of production, different levels of organization. As expected result, it is predicted
to construct parameters that will help in the construction of qualitative and quantitative tools
for the analysis of agrarian space based on agroecology in the state of Paraíba, taking into
account its geographical diversity.