CONDITIONING FACTORS OF THE SUCCESSION PROCESS AMONG FAMILY DAIRY PRODUCERS OF THE ZONA DA MATA REGION OF MINAS GERAIS

Abstract

The productive potential of the agricultural seems to have implications on migratory process and, particularly, involves sectors of young population. It has been observed the existence of evasion of producers and its families, from the rural areas to the urban areas. Therefore, it has been increasing the relative participation of the third age population in the rural areas. The objective was to identify conditioning factors of the process of familiar succession between dairy producers of the Zona da Mata Region of Minas Gerais a traditional region in milk production. A historical line is discussed about the subject, up to the present analyses of moment in a critically positive form. The research methodology used was simple random sampling which 44 milk producers of the region of Lima Duarte were interviewed. The data were systematized in order to provide the characterization of its production systems and aspects related to the standard of living of the respondents. There were also described these people's prospects for the future. The results indicated that one quarter of the producers don't have a successor to continue the dairy activity. Although more than 80% have expressed willingness to stay in the dairy business for at least 10 more years, the result showed that only half has a foreseen successor. This is an indication that the current generation of dairy producers are on the risk of quit producing after the current generation at a ratio of one in each four. It was concluded that there is need for a better understanding of the reality of the dairy activity in the region, thereby contributing to the formulation of public policies appropriate to the sector of milk production. And, that, on the question of succession it is not enough only to produce efficiently, but that the producer - especially those less specialized - faces deficiencies that are beyond their natural skills.