NÍVEL DE EXPOSIÇÃO E ESTRATÉGIAS DE PROTEÇÃO A RISCOS DE MERCADO E DE OPERAÇÃO NAS ATIVIDADES AGRÍCOLAS

Abstract

This research analyzed the level of exposure to market and operating risks in the agricultural activities of rural producers in the micro-region of Pitanga, state of Paraná, and the respective protection strategies. This is a descriptive and exploratory study, with a quantitative, crosssectional approach. For data collection, a questionnaire was developed and validated, which was applied to 321 rural producers of the studied micro-region. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics through correlation and comparison of means, as well as simulation of marketing strategies. The main results indicate that the micro-region is composed of small producers. There is predominance of commercialization in the spot market. For operational risks producers adopt mitigation strategies to reduce their exposure. In the producers’ perception, the main risk factors of the activity are related to the climate, dollar and product prices. It was possible to verify that the producers have high perception of the risks of the activity and that they perform actions and activities to reduce their exposure. It can be concluded that the exposure of producers to the risks of the activity is low and that small producers are more exposed than other producers. The research contributes to the identification of strategies that can benefit the development of the rural activity and increases the knowledge and discussion about the risk to the rural producers and mitigation strategies. In addition, this study enabled a deeper reflection on the theme, the strategies and their reflection for agriculture, for society and economy, providing subsidies for the development of mitigation instruments, policies and projects for local development.