Characterization of commercial family viticulture in Santana do Livramento (RS)

Abstract

The city of Santana do Livramento stands out in the cultivation of vines in the Campanha Gaúcha region.
Researches on the cultivation of vines in the municipality has been primarily aimed at the productive chain of grapes and derivatives produced by large enterprises, not focusing on production from family farming. Based on this lack of information, this paper aimed to characterize the social profiles and production systems of vines by family farming in Santana do Livramento. The research was exploratory, carried out remotely through the application of a semi-structured virtual questionnaire to five family farmers who sell grapes and derived products. The main results were discussed in terms of area size, producer profile, access to land, cultural practices, phytosanitary control and commercialization. Family winegrowers had diversified training degrees, and most had already accessed financing. The area of ​​the properties ranged from 5 to 25 hectares, and in only one of them viticulture was the main activity developed. American and European vines were cultivated between three and twenty years since its establishment, with emphasis on 'Tannat', 'Concord' and 'Chardonnay'. The sale was carried out during the harvest directly to the consumer or destined to Serra Gaúcha wineries. The incidence of fungal diseases was the main management problem highlighted by farmers. Chemical control was carried out with the use of pesticides. However, in only one property no treatment allowed for agro-ecological systems was used. Even facing difficulties in production and, mainly, in the flow of production, family winegrowers highlighted benefits regarding the cultivation of vines. Viticulture was a different and important source income for the properties, and the winegrowers intend to continue with the activity.