Associativismo e práticas de economia solidária adotados na Associação de Agricultores e Fruticultores de Nova Floresta.

Abstract

The Association of Farmers and Fruit Growers of New Forest (AFRUNOF) is a non- profit, non-profit organization with no ftxed headquarters, with responsibilities of ali

partners, with the objective of providing services tbat contribute to the organization and social integration of Farmers and fruit growers in the municipality of Nova Floresta-PB, improving people's quality of life. Today, Afrunof has 40 members, mostly family farmers, from the city of Nova Floresta who produce and market fresb fruits such as passion fruit (maio product). The objective of this research is to analyze the practices of solidarity economy adopted in Afrunof. The research is part of a quantitative-qualitative approach. The methodological procedures applied were observation, semi-structured interview and application of questionnaires to the associares. The results obtained demonstrated that Afrunof is characterized as a self-managing association. It assists in the marketing of members' products tbrougb the government programs PAA and PNAE. Afrunof provides tecbnical assistance and training for its members. Tbe results also showed little understanding of the associates regarding associative and solidarity economy issues. We conclude tbat the values of ECOSOL are implicitly associated with the members, since they do not understand tbe solidarity economy, altbough tbe subject

has already been addressed in the association. Afrunof is characterized as a self- managed association, but altboogh its members have a right to participare in the

decisions, there has been a still timid politicaJ conception of the associates, demonstrated in the little involvement of its members in the discussions related to the functioning, organization and administration of Afrunof, Demonstrating little understanding of the associates as a democratic and participatory coUective organization. Botb associativism and solidarity economy are ways of promoting the social inclusion of rural workers in society. The values of solidarity economy are present in Afrunof, in the way it is managed, in the relationship of mutual aid and union among associates, but these values need to be better stimulated so tbat they go beyond the doors of the association and reach the local community, promoting In the municipality a social, political and citizen transformation. In the absence of effective poblic policies in the region, solidarity economy can become an alternative for small producers because it is a oew way of making savings. We also conclude that there are some obstacles to be overcome by the association: the stimulation of the participation of women in associative activities, since during tbe researcb there was ao absence of female presence, as weU as encouraging tbe members to return to scbooJ so tbat tbey can Complete their studies and tbus awaken to a more criticai, autonomous aod participatory awareness. Afrunof bas tbe potential to overcome tbese cbaUenges, sioce it bas been developing a significant work in the life of tbe associates over almost nine years.