O Circuito Carioca de Feiras Orgânicas e suas interações espaciais

Abstract

In recent decades, dissatisfaction with industrial forms of Agri-Food production, supply and consumption have motivated debates on the need to build alternative processes. Such processes aim to reconnect producers and consumers, rescuing cultural and social principles and valuing the environmental dimension. Thus, the valorization of natural resources, the search for ecologically based foods and more sustainable lifestyles can facilitate the approximation between these actors. In this context, differentiated marketing strategies that reduce the action of intermediaries are capable of bringing the two ends of the Agri-Food chain closer together. That said, the present work aims to interpret the spatial interactions, related to the process of commercialization of organic products, using as an example the Carioca Circuit of Organic Fairs, held in the city of Rio de Janeiro, covering the period from 2010 to 2022. The fair circuit, based on a network aimed at the direct sale of organic products, was created with the aim of contributing to the economic viability of producers, making society aware of the importance of organic food and bringing those who produce to those who consume them. The study seeks as specific objectives to understand the formation of the circuit, identify the actors involved and establish the dimensions of the geographic networks resulting from these interactions. In addition, this research evaluates the impacts and strategies on fairs during the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. To this end, the research is based on a broad bibliographic survey, analysis of specialized sources, interviews, as well as fieldwork in visited fairs. Created in 2010, from an articulation between different sectors, the circuit currently has 21 fairs distributed in different neighborhoods in the city of Rio de Janeiro. It is a process of network connection of movements, organizations and institutions that interact spatially with each other around the agroecological theme. This dynamic consists of a close relationship between producers and consumers, always supported and supported by institutions and organizations that carry out mediation or help the parties. Faced with these Carioca Circuit of Organic Fairs has been resisting and existing as a short marketing channel, based on principles of fair and solidary trade, encompassing environmental, social and economic dimensions in the established networks. The circuit has been playing an important role in food supply, promoting health and circulating the economy in the city and state of Rio de Janeiro, accessing and connecting producers and consumers.