Abstract
The conventional way of producing and distributing food is based on the use of agrochemicals, fertilizers, industrial fertilizers and other techniques from the Green Revolution, with increasing dependence on financial-industrial capital, which implies the intensification of the agriculture commodification. The object of this study was the emergence of modes of organization resisting this trend. Based on the theoretical reference of Karl Polanyi (2012aPolanyi, K. (2012a). A grande transformação: As origens da nossa época (2a. ed.). Rio de Janeiro, RJ: Elsevier., 2012bPolanyi, K. (2012b). A subsistência do homem e ensaios correlatos. Rio de Janeiro, RJ: Contraponto .), a case study was developed in a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative. It is a movement that resituates agricultural production through the principles of fair trade, agroecology and the use of short supply chains, which bring production and consumption closer together. The result is a better nutritious quality food at affordable and fair price. The analysis of the CSA Alfa case points to the coexistence of different principles of regulation, in a combination of mercantile exchange and reciprocity. According to the proposition by Karl Polanyi, the economic activity is shown to imbricate with the social aspect, of which friendship, tolerance, fidelity and commitment establish a community ethos around food. The CSA seems to manifest a countermovement to the commodification by enhancing the relative autonomy of individuals that elevates the social cohesion of the participating groups.
Keywords:
Community-Supported Agriculture; Commodification; Reciprocity; Social Cohesion; Karl Polanyi