SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILY FARMING IN THE NORTHWEST OF SÃO PAULO (BRAZIL) AND THE LEASING OF LAND FOR THE CULTIVATION OF SUGAR CANE

Abstract

Family farming developed on small rural properties is of great importance, as it produces most of the food that supplies the domestic market. However, in different regions, this activity is being replaced by other production processes. This paper analyzes the socioeconomic characteristics of small rural producers of Jales and Fernandópolis, São Paulo. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the producers and the results demonstrate the predominance of elderly male producers, with unsatisfactory level of education, with the majority having monthly income in the range above four minimum wages, due to land lease for sugar-energy plants. The lack of resources, an aging population and low productivity are gradually leading to the abandonment of activity.