This study analyzed factors that contribute to relations of trust within a private woodlot producer program managed by a cellulose industry in Minas Gerais state. One hundred and forty one questionnaires were completed by interviewing small woodlot rural producers that participate in 32 municipalities within 7 of the state's microregions. The sampling was performed by random stratification according to the following criteria: a) Woodlot Producers with Completed Contract (PFCF) who have finished at least one contract with the cellulose firm and b) Woodlot Producers with Contract in Progress (PFCA) who have not yet completed a contract. In general, the program's woodlot producers will sign contracts only for the first forest cut. This means that they are obligated to deliver to the company 97% of the wood from the first cycle of production. However, for the second cycle, 18% of those interviewed showed interest in selling their wood to the cellulose firm regardless of whatever price variations might occur for competing forest markets such as for charcoal. If no significant fluctuations occur in these competing markets it is possible that as many as 50% of woodlot producers might sell their second cut to the cellulose firm. Once rural producers sign on to the program, 98.4% of them complete their contractual obligations. Trust and trustworthiness were confirmed as existing in relationships between the cellulose firm and woodlot producers. However, there are some factors in the woodlot program that contribute to mistrust, including the wood measurement system, transport costs and the absence of a pricing policy easily understood by woodlot producers.
Private woodlot programs; trust; cellulose industry
