Encroachment and entrenchment of agro-neoliberalism in the Centre-West of Brazil. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ioris, Antonio A.R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of rural studies. Volume 51(2017)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Agribusiness -- Agriculture -- Brazil -- Mato Grosso -- Agro-neoliberalism -- Soybean -- Ecological modernization; Sociology, Rural -- Periodicals; Country life -- Periodicals; Rural development -- Periodicals; Land use, Rural -- Planning -- Periodicals; Rural conditions -- Periodicals; Sociologie rurale -- Périodiques; Vie rurale -- Périodiques; Développement rural -- Périodiques; Sol, Utilisation agricole du -- Planification -- Périodiques; Conditions rurales -- Périodiques; Country life; Land use, Rural -- Planning; Rural conditions; Rural development; Sociology, Rural; Periodicals; 307.72
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2017.01.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0743-0167

Abstract

Abstract: From being a net food importer in recent decades, Brazil is now considered a successful case of agricultural production and export. However, this image of triumph and efficiency helps to conceal growing socio-ecological impacts and mounting uneasiness. The complex and contradictory landscape of contemporary Brazilian agribusiness represent a relevant example of the advance of agro-neoliberalism, which is both an economic and technological process of agriculture modernization and intensification, in accordance to liberalizing pressures, and also a politico-ecological phenomenon centred on market-based solutions to old and new production, innovation and justification questions. Based on qualitative research and three fieldwork campaigns, the article discusses recent politico-economic adjustments particularly in the State of Mato Grosso, in the Centre-West region, which is fast becoming the main area of agribusiness activity in the country. Empirical results demonstrate that agro-neoliberalism has been promoted through inventive public-private associations not for the purpose of domestic food security, but primarily for capital accumulation and to support sectoral interests and macro-economic strategies. Highlights: Brazilian agribusiness is seen as a case of great success, but production and productivity gains conceal growing socio-ecological tensions. The Brazilian government and wider business community have become highly dependent on the export of primary commodities. Agro-neoliberalism is both a process of economic and technological intensification and also a politico-ecological phenomenon. The analysis of agro-neoliberalism needs to connect changes at the local and farm level with national and international trends. Agribusiness in Mato Grosso, in central Brazil, reveals a great about the achievements and contradictions of agro-neoliberalism.