Management records in organic coffee farming: A case study of the organic coffee production group of Divino-MG

Abstract

Organic coffee farming has stood out as a sustainable form of agricultural production. However, the process of traceability of organic production requires that records be kept periodically of all activities from production to commercialization. In addition, these records must be detailed and systematically updated. Thus, the Divino Organic Coffee Production Group (GPCOD) seeks to ensure the process of organic and fairtrade coffee certification. This study aimed to analyze the tools and propose mechanisms to facilitate the management records in the organic coffee production (Coffea Arabica) aiming to meet the process of traceability of the beans produced by GPCOD. Seven families participated in the study, and different forms of management records were detected in specific Notebooks (CA). Families pointed out difficulties in making the records, and one of the biggest challenges was keeping the notes updated. During the period from October 2020 to November 2021, the use of the Agro-ecological/organic Production Management Records Notebook (CRMPA) was created and recommended. Of the 07 families, 2 did not fill out the CRMPA, and 5 filled it out partially and/or completely. The CRMPA proved to be an effective and useful tool for the families, as well as meeting the inspection routines of the certifiers. The challenge is to create conditions that make it easier for farming families to adopt the habit of recording all the activities of the production unit, and it is important to have external monitoring to check the data collected.