Socioeconomic characteristics and technologies in agriculture: A study of the peanut production in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, based on the 2016-17 Survey of Agricultural Production Units (LUPA)

abstract:

Agricultural censuses are important tools for understanding changes in agriculture and its different production segments. In Brazil, the peanut culture is concentrated in the state of São Paulo and occupies an important space in the economic dynamics of the main grain producing and processing regions of the country. This study analyzes the evolution of peanut production in this state using the information consolidated in the Survey of Agricultural Production Units (LUPA) for the 2007-08 and 2016-17 crops as reference for different socioeconomic and technological indicators. The results highlight increases of 62 and 65% in the number of properties and area planted with peanuts, respectively, with predominance of land leasing and occupation of areas for renewal of sugar cane fields. The social technological and business management indicators are more expressive in the peanut culture than in the average agriculture in the state of São Paulo. These indicators include educational level of producers, organization in cooperatives and associations, and presence of more sustainable practices in rural properties. The outlined reality enables the support of policies and strategies for regional development and strengthening and expansion of this agricultural activity.

Keywords:
agricultural census; agribusiness; agricultural economy