Family farming in agroecological transition: A look at the marketing of milk and dairy products in municipalities of the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Abstract

This study evaluated the limits and possibilities of the marketing of milk and dairy products in the context of family farming. We used semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and content analysis as methodological options. We conducted 12 interviews with family farmers who had milk production and the processing and marketing of this raw material in common. Despite changes and reformulations, federal and state legislation still does not consider small family farmers. Even when referring to these protagonists, the legislation address production in a technical manner that is inadequate for the reality of most family farmers, thus favouring dairy industries.