Characterization of the Brazilian vegetable brassicas production chain

Abstract

ABSTRACT Brassica crops worldwide provide the greatest diversity of products used by man derived from a single genus. Collectively, leafy, flower and root vegetables can be eaten fresh, cooked and processed. The production of these vegetables in Brazil has been growing exponentially in the last decades, due to its economic importance, with major production volumes in several states and a quick monetary return for growers in areas considered of small acreage. With expansion, a number of aspects, including demands for quality and safety of these foods introduce themselves, strictly attached to the forms of production, logistics and their appearance. To meet the challenges and list the trends within the activities of different agents, a multiple case study was held in the states of Amazon, Minas Gerais, Paraná and Rio de Janeiro. Altogether, 55 stakeholders were interviewed, along with the compilation of different sources of data to characterize this productive chain. Changes in the scenario are imperative in order to maintain the activity of overcoming years, being related to cultivars adaptation, plant health, productions costs and difficulties during the establishment of crops. To overcome these adversities, a collective effort in terms of organization, technology transfer and R&D from official and private agents, technical assistance, and regional sanitary inspection is imperative, aiming, especially, in actions regarding themes like protected cultivation, mechanization/automation and adding value to products by processing and packaging, listed by stakeholders as priority.