Commercialization alternatives for family farming. The case of family agriculture fairs in Argentine Patagonia

Abstract

Many efforts have taken place during the last years in Argentina in order to improve the situation of small family farming. Historically, a critic point for the activity of these social subjects is linked to the marketing of their products, which drifts in obstacle for the appropriation of the rent that is generated by their activity. Following this, during the last years new marketing experiences have been conceived for family farming products. One of these experiences is the fairs family farming. It presents some advantages in relation to other traditional marketing strategies. This study presents the experience of these family farming fairs in the argentine Patagonia, analyzing some of its characteristics and highlighting its most relevant aspects. It is noticeable that the development of these fairs result in an important alternative for small growers of that region not only for its impact in the economic potentialities, but also for its implications in terms of strengthening of organizations, relationships and the visualization of that sector toward the rest of the society.

Producción Agropecuaria y Desarrollo Sostenible, Vol. 2, 2014: 57-79