CONTRACTS IN INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS

Abstract

Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems have expanded in Brazil due to its economic, environmental and social benefits. However, it has several challenges stemming from integrating two different agricultural systems with distinct processes and infrastructure. In this context, the cooperation between livestock producers and farmers, regulated in a legal agreement, is an efficient alternative, despite requiring careful arrangement. This investigation aims to investigate the creation of these settlements, seeking to find out whether the law has been keeping up with the constantly evolving dynamics of these integrated systems. The methodology was based on case studies, utilizing interviews with key actors in integrated crop-livestock systems located in farms in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It was seen that the existing legal framework provides the necessary tools for the wellfunctioning of these legal agreements, although some updates are recommended. On the other hand, it has been noted the presence of certain imbalances between parts in fields of technology and training. Since the success of an integrated system requires legal, human, financial, and technological symmetry, it is recommended that we build and enhance public policies, aiming to reduce the existing gap between producers' technological knowledge and practice.