What is the profile of strawberry producers in the south Brazilian region and what do they think about substrate cultivation?

Qual o perfil dos produtores de morango da região sul do RS e o que pensam sobre o cultivo em substrato?

ABSTRACT

Strawberry production in the south part of Rio Grande do Sul has already been consolidated and, recently, this production has undergone several changes in its cultivation system. The profile of the strawberry producers in this region, and the cultivation systems they use, considering socioeconomic and technological characterization, had not been formally studied since then. This study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic profile of producers, as well as the strawberry production system. Data were obtained through a questionnaire, with questions related to the socioeconomic aspects of the producers and the technical aspects of their cultivation systems. Most of the interviewed producers are male, 26-50 years old, owing up to 20 hectares land, with a monthly income of up to four minimum wages and relying only on family labor. They are considered family producers and have already been growing strawberries in substrate, or are interested in using this modern soilless culture system.

Keywords:
Fragaria ananassa; socioeconomic status; family farming