O sistema agroindustrial da cachaça no município de Jaguari/RS: a contribuição dos atores pela ótica da Teoria Ator-Rede

Abstract

Cachaça is linked to the regional and geographical characteristics of where it is produced. Its introduction in Brazil is related to the first sugar cane mills at the time of colonization. With the preservation of Brazilian history, the drink expanded in the country and in recent years, it has advanced and contributed to agribusiness exports. In this context, the aim of this study is to describe and analyze the working dynamics of the cachaça agro-industrial system in the municipality of Jaguari/RS, characterizing the contribution of its different actors. The theoretical framework addresses aspects of the importance of the drink and its connection with Brazilian history, elucidating elements of the context of the cachaça agroindustrial system in southern Brazil, as well as the relationship between the production of the drink and the culture and customs of the citizens of the municipality. from Jaguari/RS. Next, we seek to rescue the different definitions for the evolution of the concept of agro-industrial productive systems and the theoretical contribution of the Actor-Network Theory (ANT) for the development of the study. The method used is the case study, with a qualitative and exploratory approach. Data collection took place through direct observations and unstructured interviews with key actors in the agro-industrial system. Data analysis was carried out through content analysis, which was divided into three large categories, which were subdivided into subcategories emerging from the interviewees' statements. The first category brought aspects related to the characterization of the actors and their lines of action. The second addressed the different perspectives on the historical context and its influences on the respondents in their relation to the activity. The third category dealt with the functioning of the agro-industrial system as a whole, including productive, financial, commercial and social issues that are linked to the perception of the different actors participating in the system. It was concluded that ANT can be used in different contexts, including agro-industrial systems, as long as the position of each actor to be investigated is established. In this way, it was verified that the existing mutual relations between the human and non-human actors that participate in the network seek to contribute to the realization of collective actions, through their association, which value for promoting the development of the production of cachaça from stills in the municipality, contributing to the maintenance of this activity until the present day. In this way, it was possible to verify that there are still elements that can be promoted and influence actions, such as the promotion of events and courses aimed at the qualification of cachaça producers; the creation of municipal public policies that will help in the valorization of this activity and in the expansion of markets; technical support and support through the commitment of different actors so that producers seek legalization; and articulation with the cultural roots of this productive activity, as a way to further promote the local economy.