Geographical Indication as a Tool for Regional Development: An Opportunity for Small Farmers to Excel in the Market

Abstract

Agribusinesses engage in a form of production in which only the big producer benefits while family farming suffers from a scarcity of opportunities. Given this scenario, how can the family farmer successfully contribute to national agricultural production and not have to depend solely on subsistence farming? The objective of this study is to analyze the food production network in Brazil within each of its five geographic regions. This work is classified as applied research, as its purpose is to generate knowledge and practical applications in order to solve problems. In order to support this aim, this paper includes a bibliographical survey of the bases of public domain with documentary searches conducted at the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The results show that the data on food production in the five large Brazilian regions differs significantly and shows how the agrobusiness model, where only large landowners generate wealth, is harmful to small producers. Thus, it is concluded that one of the solutions for these small producers is to innovate and thereby give their products added value. The use of Geographical Indications would help to support these small producers in their efforts to thrive.

COVID-19 and the fragility of Brazilian small farming resilience

“…GI labeling main economic effects are (1) increased incomes and (2) resilience, since the consumers recognize a real advantage for them when buying the product (Vandecandelaere et al, 2020). Therefore, Malacarne et al (2019) highlights that GI can be used by small farmers to prove the quality of their products against major competitors. In times of uncertainty, this will be an important competitive advantage for small producers in Tanguá.…”

Geographical indication: a review

“…The challenge among researchers is generally associated with identifying how the Geographical Indication seal could be a useful tool to leverage local and regional development (Malacarne, Nunes-Silva, De-Bortoli, 2019a). It is assumed that this recognition is important, but it is necessary to know more clearly, not only how to obtain the recognition seal, but also how to exploit it, in order to enjoy the benefits arising from it.…”