Logística Reversa de Defensivos Agrícolas: fatores que influenciam na consciência ambiental de agricultores gaúchos e mineiros

In recent years, legal and social pressures in favor of environmental affairs have increased in several countries, including Brazil. If, before, concerns were mainly focused on large polluting companies, nowadays, the agricultural sector is also influenced by this matter. Considering this scenario, this study aims to identify which are the main factors that lead rural producers to perform the milk run process. In order to evaluate this process, questionnaires were sent to 398 farmers (residents in Rio Grande do Sul and Minas Gerais States), producers of soybean, coffee, tobacco, beans and strawberry. We analyzed both environmental and legal issues. In order to achieve the objective proposed, a quantitative approach was adopted, using multiple regression analysis. In the regression model estimated, it was observed that, in the process of collecting packaging, three questions were related to environmental awareness: i) handling pesticides and current legislation, ii) adoption of new technology and practices, and iii) risks to human health. Empirical findings in environmental awareness receive strong interference of factors relating to the handling of pesticides and current legislation.