Islands of dairy in a sea of sugarcane: the future of family dairy farming in Brazil.

摘要: The future of family farming is a matter debate, especially because the far-reaching economic and political changes that are occurring. One vision farms will disappear they less efficient than large-scale industrial enterprises. Others foresee survive, due to their ability resist external forces adapt internal processes. recent increase in worldwide demand for biofuels changing social relationships many rural areas by creating potentially competing claims on natural resources. huge Brazilian sugarcane industry, one most world, has expanded enormously, replacing pastures. This thesis studies (differential) impact increasing area had dairy farmers Sao Paulo state various drivers at different levels influence land use and, therefore, these farmers. Historical use, production technologies, product prices described, together with how linked policies Brazil. study analyses farmers, rationales resource endowments, react increased competition from labour. It shows have options strategies when considering leasing production. also looks local responses alternatives this trend found intensifying small-scale holds potential income quality life households. research reveals between milk not only result long-term governmental support expansion business. related dynamics beef chains. In case, (at scales) played an important role replacement pastures sugarcane. factor ever-expanding frontier, which been driven technological innovations (e.g. UHT milk). Other factors include price fluctuations raw occurred after deregulation concentration industry retail sector. concludes needs be understood context other agricultural sectors national economy rather being seen solely as increases global biofuel. At farm level, identified more complex set interactions merely farming. comparison types labour availability, household resilience technology introduction key influencing farmers’ decisions. proximity cities offer attractive jobs provide schooling opportunities children largely responsible shortages effects contradictory uneven according endowments Leasing may it reduces load risk while guaranteeing monthly income. On hand, who abandon totally rent entering ‘one way street’: once infrastructure dismantled, cannot return former Nevertheless, part rented form diversification, can guaranteed extra income, fitting rationale resilience, lowering risks uncertainties, providing resources investing intensification. Neither option feasible very small size operation. went examine intensification promoted Balde Cheio programme. programme provides insights into technology, innovation needs. sample joined attained high productivity, equivalent observed developed countries employ intense, sophisticated highly specialized systems. higher productivity was combination lactating cows per unit (31%), cow (24%) better performance (37%) using (-7%). gross margin almost doubled even though 7%. achieved through having large number make dry tropical grasses, (rather achieving extremely - typical strategy non-grazing systems). These intensified systems yielded average R$ 3,000/ha, competitive R00/ha soybean values terms member were urban wages. continued analysing such productive processes took place level farm. examination several lessons farmer oriented research, development extension. For example, possible attain outstanding results without expensive ‘cutting-edge’ technologies but intense circulation forms knowledge skills supported institutional arrangements, networking among actors flexible application relatively simple techniques. applied included trialling/experimenting under real conditions adjusting farmer’s rhythm innovation. narrowed gap ‘the scientific frontier’ – advanced orientation institutes realities experienced show that, despite opportunity costs (created commodity chains attraction areas), still if sustainably intensify