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This work aims to reflect on the social networks developed along the cheese production chain (butter and cream) of Marajó / PA, Brazil. Using a qualitative approach, by semistructured interview and thematic oral histor, this paper sought to analyze and to understand social networks developed around the production and consumption of different Marajó cheeses, impacts on the production and commercialization, characteristics considered essential in maintaining and preserving their quality, the producers' vision to understand the contemporary production processes, their difficulties and ways of endurance and permanence over the years. The main findings suggested high social, economic and cultural importance of production in the visited communities as well as the relevance of social networks in preserving the quality, continuity and maintenance of local production; high adaptive capacity of producers in view of the demands to comply the legislation and the need for public policies that encourage, preserve and foster the artisanal production of Marajó cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a reflection on the history of cheese production (butter and cream) in Marajó, PA, Brazil. The qualitative research used the following tools and methodologies: semi-structured interview and themed oral history. We sought to perform a historical rescue of cheese production; to analyze the forms of knowledge transmission and production mode; and to start a debate on the challenges faced in order to preserve those practices given the requirements of sanitary regularization required by the inspection agencies. As a result, we observed the socioeconomic, historical, social and cultural importance of local cheese production for the families involved; the adaptation of production as a form of resistance and maintenance of the artisanal production; the aging of marajoara cheese production professionals and the decrease in the number of people interested in developing the activity. This research points to the degree of fragility of this mode of production and the need to create public policies that encourage, preserve and foster traditional knowledge and local artisanal production of Marajó cheeses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]