Markets and commercialization channels in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul: relevant factors for fruit and vegetable producers

ABSTRACT: This article presents statistical analysis that verified the diversity of markets and marketing channels used by family farmers in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul/ Brazil, examining the occurrence of variables associated with the number of channels accessed. The non-probabilistic sample included 129 family farmers who produce fruits and vegetables in four municipalities in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in the years 2019-2021. Nonparametric tests and bivariate statistical analysis were used, considering the significance level (≤) of 0.05. There was an average number of 2.4 channels in the Local and Conventional Markets, and 3.1 for the Local/Territorial and Public/Institutional Markets. However, a maximum of three channels is used in 75% of establishments. There was a low negative correlation between the mean age of the family farmers and the degree of diversification of the channels used to market the products and a positive correlation between infrastructure and diversificationof channels adopted and,family work and diversification. Finally, a dependency relationship was reported between the number of public policies accessed and the diversification of channels.