ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses special attention to the influence of the transformations on the so-called family farmers. It focuses on the explanation of the group of producers’ internal diversity and the transformations that they have undergone in Brazil. The agrarian structure in Brazil is historically characterized by a high concentration of land ownership and intense social inequalities. Family farmers, as social actors and part of the agrarian structure could not rest immune from the transformations that have been occurring in the rural world. Brazilian family farming has undoubtedly undergone a series of transformations since its recognition as a target public of public policies by the Brazilian State. Enough to survive but not enough to ensure the survival of the majority above poverty levels. The future of family farming is highly dependent upon support from well-designed public policies, targeted to qualify farmers to respond to the transformations of society and in particular to changes in the food markets.
