Organic and conventional dairy in western of Santa Catarina: characterization and farmers’perception

Abstract

The number of dairy farmers interested in organic production is growing, especially within the family farms. However, little is known about the structure of farms, technologies and practices used by producers in this system. In western of Santa Catarina 17 organic milk farms (ORG) and 17 conventional farms (CONV), of family farmers were selected. Interviews were made with these farmers in March and September of 2010 about their views on organic production, and about the differences between technologies and management practices adopted. Farm size, age, education and time in the activity were similar between systems. The ORG had herds lower, with cows producing less, what was related to smallest percentage of Holstein blood in the herds and not to the system in itself. The organic milk production showed a smaller than the CONV averaging 3342 and 7912 liters/month, respectively. The ORG had a profile of people most active in the social environment, and greater access to information, which may have influenced the choice of the organic system. The better exploitation of forage resources and less use of pesticides and antibiotics make organic farmers realize improvements in the agricultural ecosystem and the quality of life. The biggest barrier perceived by organic farmers is the lack of recognition by the market economy and specialized technical assistance in the matter. The adequacy of regulatory standards to producers is limited by lack of planning food and animal health