Markets socio-territorial construction: theoretical notes on the peasants protagonism potential in agroecological product markets

Abstract

Markets socio-territorial construction: theoretical notes on the peasants protagonism potential in agroecological product markets

Based on the assumption that markets are product of a social (and territorial) construction process, this article discusses how we arrived at the so-called market system, how peasants have established exchanges and adapted to this system, and the importance of them being protagonists in the process of markets socio-territorial construction. Although markets are hegemonically controlled under the aegis of capital expanded accumulation, it is believed that peasants, organised collectively, can create beneficial strategies for marketing their products, especially food. In this sense, through agroecology there is scope for structuring other relationships with markets. A brief history of exchange relations is presented, followed by a debate on the current market system. Elements of the concept of markets socio-territorial construction are presented, based on the potential role of peasants who produce and commercialise agroecological products. The text is based on theoretical notes and deals with the opportunities for the socio-territorial construction of markets through agroecology. The methodological procedures used were a literature review and reflections based on participant research with agroecological producers and their organisations, mainly located in Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná. As a result, inferences are made about how peasants create and institutionalise social relations through agroecology, projecting them territorially in different interactions with markets and taking advantage of possible ‘cracks in capitalism’.

Keywords: market; socio-territorial construction; protagonism; peasants; agroecology.