The COVID-19 pandemic and its reflections on the organic cotton production chain

Abstract: With the COVID-19 pandemic, many productive sectors were impacted and had to make changes to survive in the context of uncertainties, including organic agriculture. Thus, the objective of the research was to highlight the changes in the organic cotton production chain arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The research characterizes by a qualitative approach based on a case study on the production chain of the Justa Trama cooperative, which has production links in different regions of Brazil. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews with six people, one from each link. Data were interpreted using content analysis by analysis categories, according to pre-defined keywords. It was concluded that the pandemic changed the way of working in the links, but there was no damage to Justa Trama. In addition, the organic cotton production chain is subject to some challenges, such as drought, lack of technical assistance, little incentive to adhere to organic producton, and difficulty finding qualified labor. These are relevant points found in the research, which indicate the need for workers in the production chain to access public policies and funding.

摘要：受新冠疫情（COVID-19 pandemic）影响，诸多生产领域均遭受冲击，不得不于不确定性环境中调整运营以谋求存续，有机农业亦在此列。本研究旨在阐明新冠疫情给有机棉花产业链带来的变革。研究采用质性研究范式，以在巴西多个区域设有生产环节的Justa Trama合作社的产业链为案例开展研究。数据收集通过对六个产业链环节各一名相关人员开展半结构化访谈完成。研究依据预定义关键词设定分析类别，采用内容分析法对采集到的数据进行解读。研究结论表明，疫情改变了各生产环节的运作方式，但并未对Justa Trama合作社造成损害。此外，有机棉花产业链还面临若干共性挑战，包括干旱问题、技术援助匮乏、有机生产激励不足以及难以招聘到熟练劳动力。上述为本研究的关键发现，表明产业链从业者亟需获取公共政策支持与资金扶持。