FAMILY FARMING AND AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES UNDER THE OPTICS OF THE TRANSACTION COST THEORY: AN ANALYSIS ON THE PRODUCTION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN THE MICROREGION OF TOLEDO – PARANA STATE

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze how the transaction cost theory explains the option for family organization and the presence of cooperatives in the agricultural production sector. The paper seeks to demonstrate empirical evidence to prove the theoretical assumptions in the fruit and vegetable production sector in the microregion of Toledo – Parana State, in Brazil. The research approach is qualitative, carried out primarily through bibliographical research and, integrated by the analysis and understanding of the phenomenon, through direct interaction with agricultural producers, associated and non-associated with cooperatives or associations. Empirical evidence has confirmed the theoretical assumptions of transaction cost theory. Family organization is a structure that minimizes costs with agricultural labor monitoring and agricultural cooperatives provide farmers with benefits in terms of economies of scale, especially with the dilution of bureaucracy costs.