Organic products in Brazil: from an ideological orientation to a market choice

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution of the production and commercialisation of organic products in Brazil since 1980. Design/methodology/approach – The literature review in this study assesses scientific papers, studies conducted by Brazilian and international institutions, and trade news related to the evolution of the production and commercialisation of organic products. The analysis is based on theories of consumer behaviour and competitive strategies. Findings – The results provide evidence that the organic food market in Brazil was initially based on social ideology and a movement that was opposed to conventional farming; however, since 1980, the supply and demand patterns have changed. The commercialisation of organic products since the turn of the decade has expanded beyond ideological motivation and into the Brazilian agribusiness sector. The main reasons for this expansion are changes in preferences by the Brazilian consumer, a substantial number of whom have become more concerned with the nutritional value and quality of the food they eat. This study also demonstrates that in Brazil, as well as in other countries, organic products have become a market trend. Research limitations/implications – The limited research material concerning the ideological aspects of production and trading of organic products is a factor to be considered with respect to this study. Originality/value – The presentation of comparative elements for two phases of organic agricultural development in Brazil, especially by the establishment of comparative elements, provide value and originality to this study.

Eco-innovative food in Brazil: perceptions from producers and consumers

“…These personal inspirations are disclosed in their own mission and philosophy to provide sustainable and health food for consumers. This result is consistent with a recent study that reveals an ideological motivation for companies working with organic and sustainable food (Dalcin et al 2014). Although consumers' perception that companies in general do not consider the environment or consumers' needs, companies struggle to build a more sustainable supply chain, to develop their suppliers, producers and other important stakeholders for providing products in this market, that is seen as promising in the near future.…”

Assessing the relationship between organic farming practices and microbiological characteristics of organic lettuce varieties ( Lactuca sativa L.) grown in Sao Paulo, Brazil

“…Brazil, the market of organic foods, started as a social ideology and a movement opposed to conventional farming, has increased immensely over the past decades and became a trend, mainly because of the increased consumers' concern with the nutritional value and quality of the food they eat (Dalcin et al 2014).…”

Políticas públicas para o comércio de produtos orgânicos no Brasil

“…Os produtores agrícolas que atuam no mercado de produtos orgânicos, bem como as organizações autorizadas a emitir certificações passaram a se submeter ao Decreto n° 6.323, em 27 de dezembro de 2007, que regulamenta a Lei n° 10.831 (Borguini e Torres, 2006;Leite, 2009;Dalcin et al, 2013). O Decreto disciplina as atividades pertinentes ao desenvolvimento da agricultura orgânica, tratando de temas como produção, comercialização, informações quanto à qualidade, dos mecanismos de controle, da fiscalização, das proibições e penalidades, entres outros (Brasil, 2007 (Fonseca et al, 2009).…”