Agroecologia e produção orgânica: um estudo de caso da associação agroecológica de Teresópolis, RJ.

In agriculture, agroecological production systems represent a concrete strategy to support the implementation of democratic processes of rural development, in which, based on local actions, farmers may be able to take a leading role in the local development process. The application of agroecological principles can collaborate to maintain traditional varieties and crops, promote the recovery and value of local culture, including management practices that stimulate and revitalize ethnosciences. The objective of this study was to analyze mountain agriculture through the agro-environmental practices of organic producers linked to the Agroecological Association of Teresópolis, based on the following pillars: environmental, social, cultural and economic. The methodology applied was a case study, including visits to agricultural production units for analysis of the production context and interviews with members through semi-structured questionnaires. The results allow us to state that organic agriculture in Teresópolis (RJ) is configured as an individual will inserted in a collective process, without financial support, presence or encouragement from the government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]