Territorial markets of the bioeconomy of Maranhão: the case of the MST’s Armazém do Campo in São Luís/MA

Abstract

The need to transform food systems has been a recurring argument in interdisciplinary research on this topic. Among the various innovative strategies for changing this scenario, we find those related to the bioeconomy and food markets. The objective of this article lies in an analytical approach between these two strategic dimensions of sustainable territorial development. The analysis explores the potential for building territorial food markets as spaces for offering food from sociobiodiversity for sustainable development. To this end, the case of the construction of the Armazém do Campo store in São Luís/MA is analyzed, resulting from the contemporary marketing strategies of the Landless Workers’ Movement. The argument defended is that this market can be considered a territorial market built through networks of local actors and organizations that establish shared rules and norms for marketing food from the Maranhão agrarian reform. The methodology relies on documentary consultation on the national MST website, including published reports, articles and reports, and in-depth interviews with the managers of the Armazém. The results demonstrate that territorial markets can be a potentializing strategy for sociobioeconomy projects, resulting in the strengthening of sustainability in the region.