Spatial dynamics of orange production in the state of Paraná, Brazil

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify and qualify the microregions specialized in orange production and the spatial dynamics of citrus production in the state of Paraná, Brazil. For this purpose, data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics and the Brazilian Central Bank were used. The location quotient (LQ) methodology was applied, the principal component analysis (PCA) and the cluster analysis were carried out, and information regarding the location of industries and agribusiness cooperatives that process orange juice in the state of Paraná was collected. The LQ results, subdivided into 5-year periods, denote changes in the spatial dynamics of orange production. Between 1998-2002 and 2013-2017, the specialized microregions increased from nine to 11; in addition, the consolidation of a citrus belt, which extended from the northwestern to the northeast area of Paraná, took place. Two main components explained 89.16% of the total data variability and four clusters were identified. The microregion of Paranavaí was the most specialized and the most important for the orange production chain in Paraná. The dynamics of orange production were spatially associated with the location of industries and agribusiness cooperatives in the sector, which were concentrated in the northwestern and mid-northern Paraná.