Impactos da atividade produtiva de flores e plantas ornamentais no desenvolvimento local no Município de Santa Bárbara do Pará

Abstract

The productive, commercial and social relations between the different agents of the agglomeration of municipalities may develop the region in a truly way. In the case of agricultural productive activities, the geographic proximity between producer and consumer market may help on the economic viability of the business and increase quality perception on the consumers whose obtain fresh products. The business of flowers and ornamental plants grows all over the world and Brazil has focused on the domestic market. This strategy is occurring in most Brazilian states, and in the state of Pará it is not different. The main objective of this research is analyzing the conditioning factors of this activities and their capacity of providing the local development. The methodology of this research is classified as exploratory and descriptive, with qualitative approach for the data treatment; besides it will focus on the agents involved in the production of flowers and ornamental plants in the Guajará region of the State of Pará, covering the city of Santa Bárbara, peri-urban area of Belém - PA. The results show that the model of production found has the limitation of being a low scale production, and covering a variety of species, fact that hinders the capacity of local producers to suply the demand of the distribution channels, relegating them to obtain financial income through sales directly to the final consumer at trade fairs and industry events; besides, the income obtained from the activity is considered complementary by the producers, but it contributes to local development insofar as it is shown to be of relevant importance for the interviewees' perception of quality of life, improving their access to food, medicines, clothing, mobility, and mainly promoting autonomy for women producers. It is concluded that the activity contributes to local development, but with a very limited contribution, due to competitive factors, low social capital, lack of association and lack of adequate public policies.