Characteristics of organic citriculture in Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to discuss the main aspects of production, management and marketing adopted by organic growers in the Brazilian citriculture. Therefore, a literature review on this subject and a qualitative research using interviews with certifiers, governmental institutions, farmers, cooperatives and grower associations were carried out. The organic citriculture is characterized by small growers who produce a variety of fruits and vegetables. The productivity of organic citrus is a little smaller than the conventional citrus. The main difficulties in production were the control of pests and diseases, followed by qualified labour, marketing and costs. The most successful organic citrus growers are those who use a lower density of citrus trees, a larger amount of soil covering per area and have a greater diversity of plants.

Key words: certification, citriculture, sustainability agriculture, organic citrus, agricultural systems.