The challenges of the Social Control Organizations of farmers in the process of agroecological transition

an analysis of the Municipality of São Carlos.

Abstract

Working outside the logic of conventional agriculture requires time, energy investment, technical support, and open marketing channels. Social Control Bodies (OCSs) can be a way to support this process, since they enable the sale of organic products on public bids and establish knowledge-sharing mechanisms. In practice, however, OCSs face many challenges to the implementation of their processes. The purpose of this research is to understand the role of OCSs in the context of the agroecological transition in a settlement located in São Carlos, that is, how these certification bodies can collaborate in organizing small producers from that community who choose not to adopt the conventional model. To reach the objective, we used the methodology of case study and interviews, which allowed us to identify issues between the community and the association and investigate the potential of OCSs.