Organic fairs as a policy of food supply and health promotion: a case study.

Abstract

We performed a case study with the aim of understanding the organizational process of the Organic Fairs in Curitiba-PR, as a policy of food supply and health promotion. A qualitative research was carried out through the analysis of institutional documents and semi-structured interviews with marketers and technicians in the supply area, considered key informants. The social importance of this space was highlighted, as a space for commercializing food produced without pesticides and from family farming. A link of solidarity built with consumers was observed, constituting an environment of cooperation for healthy eating, socialization of knowledge and empowerment of people involved. However, the population with low income power remained distant from this consumption, due to the high prices and distant location from the suburb of the city. We identified a risk to keep the continuity of direct marketing with the consumer, due to a new payment policy to use the space based on values ​​considered high for farmers. We conclude that searching the inclusion of family farming in Organic Fairs and the democratization of access to organic food must guide supply policies, especially considering sovereignty and food and nutritional security are required both in the countryside and in the city.