(Dis)structuring the sociotechnical regime of ecologically based production in Brazil - tips for understanding the current scenario

Authors

  • MENDONÇA, Maria Alice F.C. Universidade do Vale do Rio Verde (UninCOr)
  • CHARÃO-MARQUES, Flávia Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (PGDR/UFRGS)

Keywords:

sociotechnical regime, transition, certification, convencionalization

Abstract

This article is based on a preliminary effort to discuss the effects of the current Brazilian political
and institutional scenario on the advances in Agroecology. First, we present a discussion
on the constitution of a socio-technical regime of ecologically based production in Brazil.
Then, we bring elements of recent changes on political, institutional and regulatory framework
to provoke a debate about the processes undergoing change. It is assumed that there have
been significant advances regarding the transition of the socio-technical regime in the Brazilian
agrifood system in order to raise sustainability in its various dimensions, especially by the
growth of Agroecology. On the other hand, the dismantling of organizations and the weakening
of institutions seem to point to risks in relation to regime change, indicating the prevalence of
conventionalized organic production.

Published

2018-08-21