The advent of organic farming models: analysis of the current situation and perspectives in Brazil

This text analyses the development of organic farming in Brazil. It shows the great variability of social models of organic production recognised by Brazilian Law: organic, agroecological, ecological or biodynamic agriculture, permaculture etc.. It depicts how the political and social concerns in the spheres of family farming and environment caused the reorganisation of production systems, in the agricultural practices and n the new relationships with the market and with natural resources. Based on interviews with farmers and stakeholders involved in the development of various organic systems,the authors qualified the related models of production as well as the related social and cultural values.They also present some aspects of the historical roots of this agroecological movement and the way family farmers adapt to the new challenges of ecological production.