This research analyzes the products input derived from the sugar cane through an exploratory study in the local development context of Capanema city in Paraná State. This activity is shown as an option for the family agriculture production as it raises an income alternative at agriculture and industry units, besides providing a production diversification. The results show that brown sugar production and all other sugar cane derived products, as well as the family agriculture traditional products, have contributed to increase the income and improve producers life conditions. As a consequence, it has stimulated the local development, once it has encouraged people to stay in the countryside.
Agricultural economics; Family agriculture; Local development
