International regional competitiveness of rural territories as a factor of their socio-economic development: Methodological aspects.

The study aims to develop a scientific and methodological approach to the formation of a model for managing the international competitiveness of rural areas based on an assessment of the existing export and production potential to form priorities for their socio-economic development. Research methods involve a systematic approach, an integrated approach, an algorithmization using methods of integral assessment of competitiveness, etc. The research allowed the development of a conceptual model for managing the international competitiveness of rural regions. The model includes a variable list of determinants and indicators of the formation of competitive advantages of rural territories depending on the export-production potential and strategic goals of their development. The paper presents a model management algorithm and a set of complementary methodological techniques used to assess international and regional competitiveness. The scientific novelty lies in the developed scientific and methodological approaches and practical recommendations for the formation of international and regional competitiveness in rural areas. Moreover, a system of determinants of the competitiveness formation of rural territories and a system of indicators for its assessment have been developed.

Project management and circular economy in agribusiness: A systematic literature review.

This article aims to identify how project management can enable the introduction of circular economy (CE) in agribusiness. The methodological strategy used was the systematic literature review. The research corpus consisted of 70 articles selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. For screening, the Rayyan platform was used, and the analysis process was carried out by categorization and grouping of terms and concepts with the help of Excel software. The evidence shown the efforts to reduce agro-waste and how to transform them into by-products. Barriers, challenges, benefits and opportunities for making the CE viable in agribusiness are presented. Three ways of projecting the CE in agribusiness are identified: (1) project management processes in the integration of the CE in agribusiness, (2) innovative projects and new business models as drivers of the CE in agribusiness and (3) 4.0 technologies integrating the CE in agribusiness based on project management methodologies. Results are limited to terms used in search mechanisms. This research contributes towards identifying project management processes that can enable the CE in agribusiness, particularly by identifying the impacts of the CE in different business areas. The research also contributes in a practical way by providing insights on ways to make the CE viable in agribusiness through project management.

Determinações do suicídio de trabalhadore(a)s no agronegócio na região da Bacia do Rio Juruena, Mato Grosso / Determinations of worker's suicides in agribusiness from Juruena river basis region in the State of Mato Grosso

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as determinações sociais dos suicídios de trabalhadores e trabalhadoras do agronegócio mato-grossense. Destaca-se o suicídio como sintoma da organização social em territórios dominados pela exploração humana e exposição ambiental do agronegócio a partir de autores como Marx e Breilh. Foi realizada uma pesquisa social quanti-qualitativa em três cidades da região noroeste, um dos pólos de produção de commodities do estado. Para a coleta dos dados foi desenvolvido um inquérito de morbidades autoreferidas, aplicado à 1.384 famílias de trabalhadores das três cidades, em seguida, foram feitas entrevistas para reconstituir o estado de saúde física/mental, as relações sociais, de trabalho e demais circunstâncias motivadoras do suicídio por meio de autópsia psicossocial. Foram identificados 16 casos de suicídio ocorridos entre 2000 e 2017, e a maioria envolveu trabalhadores agrícolas ligados às fazendas de produção de soja, milho e algodão. A análise das entrevistas demonstrou aspectos socioeconômicos, laborais, políticos, culturais e socioambientais como determinação desses casos. O estudo contribui para fazer avançar as estratégias de prevenção e de Vigilância em Saúde dos trabalhadores, que incidam nas fontes das exposições aos agrotóxicos e os vários aspectos identificados que compõem as determinações sociais dos casos de suicídio, ampliando a atenção aos múltiplos fatores destes eventos.

This research aims to analyze the social determination of suicides of male and female agribusiness in Mato Grosso. Based in authors such as Marx and Breilh, we understand the workers suicides as a symptom of social organization in territories dominated by human exploitation and environmental exposure of agribusiness. A quanti-qualitative social research was carried out in three cities of the northwestern region of the state of Mato Grosso. For data collection, a survey of self-reported morbidities was carried out, applied to 1,384 families of workers in three cities, then interviews were conducted to reconstruct the state of physical/mental health, social and work relationships and other motivating circumstances through psychosocial autopsy. Sixteen suicides cases were identified that occurred between 2000 and 2017, and the majority of cases involved agricultural workers linked to soybean, corn and cotton farms. The analysis of the interviews showed socioeconomic, labor, political, cultural and socio-environmental aspects as determinants of these cases. The paper contributes to advance prevention strategies and surveillance in workers' health, which focus on the sources of exposure to pesticides and the various aspects identified that make up the social determinations of suicide cases, expanding the attention to the multiple factors of these events.

Innovative price-setting approaches to high-value products: A pricing method for agribusiness farmers.

Despite being determined by global market prices, the majority of Thai farmers have never become innovative price setters. Not many Thai farmers considered a pricing approach that would maximize the value of their agricultural products. To this end, this study provides empirical evidence regarding the impact of marketing-based variables on pricing. This study aims to identify marketing-based determinants involved in innovative, dynamic price settings for value-added agricultural products. We consider two approaches to innovative pricing - segmented (tiered) pricing and peak-load pricing - to see if there is a possibility for such pricing. A sample of 840 agribusiness farmers was collected from different regions of Thailand. Using multigroup structural invariance analysis, the sample was grouped into four types of farmers: rice, sugarcane, maize, and cassava, to see if there were any differences between them in each of the proposed pricing propensities. Our study finds that cassava farmers tend to pay significant attention to market focus, customer and product differentiation, brand orientation, and segment-based mass customization. Other groups of farmers, like rice and sugarcane, tend to set segmented (tiered) pricing as a result of brand orientation and mass customization. As for peak load pricing, market demand and seasonality are significant factors that can be found among four crops. No matter how prices are set on the global market, this study suggests that agribusiness farmers should think about marketing-related factors to stand out from their competitors.

Development of a Swine Production Cost Calculation Model.

This paper aims to present a tool that offers pig producers a standard method to calculate and control their production costs and, consequently, provides the necessary information to guide strategic decision-making. Following these premises, a mathematical model to estimate swine production costs were developed using Microsoft Excel® software (version 2207). Case studies were used to assist in the characterization and construction of the model. Through the panel method, the tool was validated by professionals in the sector. Costs were considered according to the Neoclassical Economic Theory of Costs and allocated in the order of variable costs, fixed operating costs, and opportunity costs of capital and land. These costs together create the total cost. The model provides the total cost per batch, per market pig, per arroba, and per kilogram, which facilitates the interpretation of the results and economic evaluations of the system. The model is adaptable to different types of swine farming, as well as the consideration of all costs involved in the production system, whether explicit or implicit. The model developed has the potential to be used as a management tool in commercial swine production systems, assisting the producer in the decision-making process through the management and control of production costs.

Agrotóxicos y Agroindustrias: Discursos para una vida tóxica. Análisis desde la determinación social de la salud / Agrotoxics and the Agribusiness Industry: Discourses for a toxic life. An analysis from a social determinants of health perspective

Resumen En Colombia, la agroindustria utiliza el argumento de que el control de plagas es necesario para alimentar a la población mundial, de esta forma, instala una forma de producción que usa agrotóxicos. Sin embargo, los impactos en la salud es estos productos no existen en los discursos de sus funciones asépticas. La presente investigación utilizó el análisis crítico del discurso (ACD) para caracterizar y analizar los discursos sobre las formas de producción y trabajo que favorecen la exposición a agrotóxicos y los impactos en la salud en las familias de las regiones rurales de Usme y Sumapaz, Colombia. Para ello, se utilizaron diferentes técnicas de recolección de datos cualitativos: observación participante, entrevista semiestructurada e investigación documental. Los discursos muestran la interacción entre formas estructurales que definen la construcción de la realidad desde significados que transforma al sujeto rural, se construyen para el caso de la agroindustria y el uso de agrotóxicos una violencia simbólica institucional. Esta relación discursiva impone una vida cotidiana que naturaliza la exposición a los agrotóxicos y transfiere en las colectividades las responsabilidades sobre los impactos en la salud de estos productos tóxicos.

Abstract In Colombia, the agribusiness industry argues that pest control is essential to feed the world population, establishing a new model of production based on the intensive use of agrotoxics. However, the health impacts of these products are absent from the industry's discourses. This study used critical discourse analysis to analyze and characterize discourses of modes of production and work process that lead to exposure to agrotoxics and health impacts among families in rural areas of Usme and Sumapaz in Colombia. The following data collection techniques were used: participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis. The discourses show that interaction between structural forms that define the construction of reality transforms subjects. In the case of agribusiness and the use of agrotoxics, this interaction constitutes institutional symbolic violence. This discursive relationship imposes an everyday life that normalizes exposure to agrotoxics and transfers the responsibility for their health impacts to rural communities.

Economic analysis of youth participation in agripreneurship in Benin.

The study assessed the factors affecting youth participation in rural entrepreneurship in Benin using data from the School-to-Work Transition Survey (SWTS) and applying the binary logit and the multinomial logit models. The results showed youth who have a larger number of children are more likely to choose agricultural businesses (agripreneurship) while those who have formal education, who have received training on entrepreneurship, who have registered business, and those who have located in urban areas are more likely to engage in non-agricultural businesses. Within agripreneurship, youth who belong to a larger household are more likely to engage in farming while those who are educated, who have access to credit, and who are located in urban areas are more likely to be engaged in non-farming agri-businesses. The study also revealed that cash crop production among Beninese youth was positively influenced by access to credit. The findings suggest that it would be necessary to promote development programmes that are geared towards enhancing the capacities of the youth with regards to concepts and skills of entrepreneurship in agriculture and measures to overcome challenges associated with different agribusiness activities.

Food prices, processing, and shocks: Evidence from rice and COVID-19.

Rice is the staple food for about half of the world's population and mills are the essential processing link between farmers and consumers, making rice milling one of the most important agro-processing sectors globally. This paper assesses changes in rice and paddy prices, and processing margins during the COVID-19 pandemic shock through the lens of rice mills in Myanmar. Our data, collected through telephone surveys with a large number of medium- and large-scale rice millers in September 2020, reveal significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, including transportation restrictions, employee lay-offs, and reduced operations relative to normal times. However, milling margins, and paddy and rice prices were mostly stable, showing only minor increases compared to 2019. Rice prices increased most for the varieties linked to export markets, though the gains were mostly passed through to farmers as higher paddy prices. Similarly, higher rice prices achieved by modern mills-due to extra processing-were mostly transmitted to producers. Our results also highlight the major importance of byproducts-broken rice and rice bran-sales to overall milling margins as byproduct sales allowed mill operators to sustain negative paddy-to-rice margins.

Agro-industrial wastewater in a circular economy: Characteristics, impacts and applications for bioenergy and biochemicals.

The generation of agroindustrial byproducts is rising fast worldwide. The slaughter of animals, the production of bioethanol, and the processing of oil palm, cassava, and milk are industrial activities that, in 2019, generated huge amounts of wastewaters, around 2448, 1650, 256, 85, and 0.143 billion liters, respectively. Thus, it is urgent to reduce the environmental impact of these effluents through new integrated processes applying biorefinery and circular economy concepts to produce energy or new products. This review provides the characteristics of some of the most important agro-industrial wastes, including their physicochemical composition, worldwide average production, and possible environmental impacts. In addition, some alternatives for reusing these materials are addressed, focusing mainly on energy savings and the possibilities of generating value-added products. Finally, this review considers recent research and technological innovations and perspectives for the future.

The methodological strategies of agroecological research and the values with which they are linked.

The characteristic features of some of the methodological strategies adopted in scientific research in agroecology are discussed. They reflect that agroecology, as an approach to scientific research, is inextricably entangled with the other strands of agroecology (farming practice, social movement, political project); and that adopting agroecological strategies, and upholding the values of environmental sustainability, food sovereignty, social justice and democratic participation, mutually reinforce each other. After outlining the kinds of questions that agroecological research addresses so that it can produce knowledge that informs agroecological farming practices and the long term aspiration of agroecological movements to create an alternative agricultural/food system, and then making summary remarks about methodological strategies in general, three characteristic features of some agroecological strategies are introduced and discussed. The paper concludes with comments on the value of agroecological research.

Haloculture: A system to mitigate the negative impacts of pandemics on the environment, society and economy, emphasizing COVID-19.

COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) is a global pandemic that started in China in 2019 and has negatively affected all economic sectors of the world, including agriculture. However, according to estimates in different countries, agriculture has suffered less than other sectors such as construction, industry and tourism, so agricultural development can be a good option to compensate for the economic damage caused to other sectors. The quality of available water and soil resources for agricultural development is not only limited, but is also decreasing incrementally, so the use of saline and unconventional soil and water resources is inevitable. Biosaline agriculture or haloculture is a system in which highly saline water and soil resources are used sustainably for the economic production of agricultural crops. It seems that in the current situation of the world (with COVID-19's impact on agriculture on the one hand and the quantitative and qualitative decline of freshwater and soil on the other), haloculture with a re-reading of territorial capabilities has good potential to provide a part of human food supply. In this review article, the potential of haloculture to offset the adverse impacts of the pandemic is analyzed from five perspectives: increasing the area under cultivation, using unconventional water, stabilizing dust centers, increasing the body's immune resistance, and reducing losses in agribusiness due to the coronavirus. Overall, haloculture is an essential system, which COVID-19 has accelerated in the agricultural sector.

Blended finance for agriculture: exploring the constraints and possibilities of combining financial instruments for sustainable transitions.

Transitioning to sustainable agricultural systems is imperative to meet the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving more sustainable agricultural production systems will require significant additional capital, however this cannot be covered by the current financial market setup, which dissociates public and private funders. Blended finance, where concessionary development-oriented funding is used to mobilize additional private capital, is essential. To ensure that the limited pool of concessionary funding is used efficiently and effectively, a shared understanding of the roles and limitations of public and private funders is necessary. In this paper, we describe the high-level funding gap for sustainable agriculture, the general landscape of agricultural finance, and the concept and potential roles of blended finance in this context. This paper introduces the conditions under which different financing mechanisms can contribute to addressing barriers related to sustainable agriculture investments. It highlights that multiple funding modalities must be utilized in order to achieve agricultural investment at a meaningful level and encourages greater exploration of the range of blended financing structures to increase SDG-related agriculture investments.

Farmers' actions toward sustainability: a typology of dairy farms according to sustainability indicators.

Milk production is an important economic and social activity in Brazil. Failure to meet institutional and market demands for quality and sustainability has led farmers, particularly small-scale farmers, to leave agriculture. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the sustainability of dairy farms in Paraná, Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 75 dairy farm operators. Sustainability indicators were generated on the basis of economic, environmental and social data using exploratory factor analysis. Factor scores were subjected to hierarchical clustering, which resulted in the formation of three groups of dairy farms. Groups 1, 2 and 3 had high, intermediate and low levels of sustainability, respectively. Group 1 comprised large-scale dairy farms with high productivity. Dairy farms with intermediate sustainability (group 2) had medium production capacity, and farms with low sustainability (group 1) had the smallest production scale and capacity. Large-scale dairy farms have greater economic, environmental and social sustainability and are, therefore, more likely to survive in the medium and long term.

Importance and share of agribusiness in the Chinese economy (2000-2014).

This paper analyzes the importance and share of agribusiness and its aggregates in the Chinese national economy in the context of economic growth observed in 2000-2014. Based on National Input-Output Tables (NIOT) data, the share of agribusiness in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employment, and global output was found to have declined due to a decrease in the share of agriculture itself. Hence, the increase in agribusiness GDP was primarily driven by the supply-related aggregate. In turn, the food industry provided the greatest momentum for growth in global output of agribusiness. This research also found that the GDP of the agriculture-based aggregate had a large share in its global output. This means that compared to other sectors, agricultural production demonstrated low levels of direct material intensity, which is important from the perspective of material efficiency and sustainable development.

O agronegócio e a atuação da burguesia agrária: considerações da luta de classes no campo / The agribusiness and the agrarian bourgeoisie: considerations of class struggle in the field

Resumo: O presente artigo origina-se da tese de doutoramento em Serviço Social pela UFPE. O artigo tece algumas considerações acerca do agronegócio e do papel da burguesia agrária neste setor. O campo brasileiro apresenta uma permanente luta de classes, entre aqueles que detêm os meios de produção (burguesia agrária) e aqueles/ as que detêm apenas a força de trabalho (trabalhadores/as rurais). Quem são os representantes dessa burguesia agrária? Como estão representados nos poderes Legislativo, Executivo e Judiciário? Quais suas organizações? Como interferem no desenvolvimento econômico do país?

Abstract: This article originates from the PhD thesis in Social Service by UFPE. The article presents some considerations about agribusiness and the role of the agrarian bourgeoisie in this sector. The Brazilian countryside presents a permanent class struggle between those who hold the means of production (agrarian bourgeoisie) and those who only hold the labor force (rural workers). Who are the representatives of this agrarian bourgeoisie? How are they represented in the legislative, executive and judicial branches? What are your organizations? How do they interfere in the economic development of the country?

Priority technologies and innovations in the fishing agribusiness by the year 2032. Foresight study through the Delphi method / Tecnologías prioritarias e innovaciones del sector pesquero para el año 2032. Estudo de prospectiva por el método Delphi / Tecnologias prioritárias e inovações no setor pesqueiro para o ano 2032. Estudo de prospectiva através do método Delphi

Abstract Introduction. This paper is presented in the framework of the project "Alternatives for the use of by-products derived from fishing agribusiness", Universidad del Cauca, through the research group: Harvesting of Byproducts and Agro-industrial Residues, ASUBAGROIN, which aims at the development and implementation of technologies and innovations for the use of by-products generated by the fishery activity, in order to improve research and innovation capacities in that specific subsector. Objective. The purpose of this paper is to prioritize innovations in fish by-products by consulting experts to identify innovation, technology and knowledge management activities for the institutions involved in the sector. Materials and methods. The methodology consisted in the application of the Delphi method through a structured and anonymous survey with national and international experts on topics related to the fish farming industry, using a questionnaire of 143 items divided in five groups, in order to choose priority topics. Results. The questionnaires were filled out by 37 experts from Colombia, Brazil, the United States, Mexico and Uruguay; a total of 54 priority themes were obtained, corresponding to 38 % of the topics presented. Among the topics of greatest consensus and mode are the formulation of concentrated foods, partial substitution of fishmeal, extrusion of concentrated foods, Omega-3 rich oil, probiotics, bioaccumulation, microalgae of fish processing wastewater, technological appropriation, technological evaluation, measurement of intellectual capital, innovation processes, and technological strategies. Conclusions. One of the main contributions of the study is the benefit for current players in the fish innovation system and new ones, such as technology development centers and new ventures, since they will have a route map of innovations on which to focus their investments and project initiatives.

Resumen Introducción. Este artículo se presenta en el marco del proyecto "Alternativas para el uso de subproductos derivados de la agroindustria piscícola", Universidad del Cauca, a través del grupo de investigación "Aprovechamiento de Subproductos, Residuos y Desechos Agroindustriales", ASUBAGROIN, relacionado con la aplicación de tecnologías e innovaciones para el uso de los subproductos generados por la actividad piscícola, con el fin de mejorar las capacidades de investigación e innovación en ese subsector específico. Objetivo. El propósito de este artículo es priorizar innovaciones en subproductos piscícolas a través de consulta a expertos, así como actividades de gestión de innovación, tecnología y conocimiento para las instituciones pertenecientes al sector. Materiales y métodos. La metodología utilizada consiste en la aplicación del método Delphi, a través de consulta anónima y estructurada a expertos nacionales e internacionales en temas relacionados con la industria piscícola, con un cuestionario de 143 ítems en 5 grupos, para elegir los temas prioritarios. Resultados. Los cuestionarios fueron diligenciados por 37 expertos de Colombia, Brasil, Estados Unidos, México y Uruguay; un total de 54 temas prioritarios fueron obtenidos correspondiente al 38 % de los temas presentados. Entre los temas de mayor consenso y moda están la formulación de alimentos concentrados, sustitución parcial de harina de pescado, extrusión de alimentos concentrados, aceite rico en Omega-3, probióticos, bioacumulación, microalgas de aguas residuales de procesamiento de pescado, apropiación tecnológica, evaluación tecnológica, medición de capital intelectual, proceso de innovación y estrategias tecnológicas. Conclusiones. Uno de las principales contribuciones del estudio está relacionada con los actuales actores del sistema de innovación piscícola y de los nuevos, tales como centros de desarrollo tecnológico y nuevos emprendimientos, ya que ellos tendrán un mapa de ruta de innovaciones sobre las cuales enfocar sus inversiones e iniciativas de proyectos.

Resumo Introdução. Este artigo se apresenta no marco do projeto "Alternativas para o uso de subprodutos derivados da agroindustria piscícola", Universidad del Cauca, através do grupo de investigação "Aproveitamento de Subprodutos, Resíduos e lixo Agroindustriais", ASUBAGROIN, relacionado com a aplicação de tecnologias e inovações para o uso dos subprodutos gerados pela atividade piscícola, com o fim de melhorar as capacidades de investigação e inovação nesse subsetor específico. Objetivo. O propósito deste artigo é priorizar inovações em subprodutos piscícolas através de consulta a especialistas, assim como atividades de gestão de inovação, tecnologia e conhecimento para as instituições pertencentes ao setor. Materiais e métodos. A metodologia utilizada consiste na aplicação do método Delphi, através de consulta anónima e estruturada a especialistas nacionais e internacionais em assuntos relacionados com a indústria piscícola, com um questionário de 143 itens em 5 grupos, para eleger os assuntos prioritários. Resultados. Os questionários foram diligenciados por 37 especialistas da Colómbia, Brasil, Estados Unidos, México e Uruguai; um total de 54 assuntos prioritários foram obtidos correspondente a 38 % dos assuntos apresentados. Entre os assuntos de maior consenso e moda estão a formulação de alimentos concentrados, substituição parcial de farinha de peixe, extrusão de alimentos concentrados, aceite rico em Omega-3, probióticos, bio-acumulação, microalgas de águas residuais de processamento de peixe, apropriação tecnológica, avaliação tecnológica, medição de capital intelectual, processo de inovação e estratégias tecnológicas. Conclusões. Um das principais contribuições do estudo está relacionada com os atuais atores do sistema de inovação piscícola e dos novos, tais como centros de desenvolvimento tecnológico e novos empreendimentos, já que eles terão um mapa de rota de inovações sobre as quais enfocar seus investimentos e iniciativas de projetos.

Distribuição espacial do uso de agrotóxicos no Brasil: uma ferramenta para a Vigilância em Saúde / Spatial distribution of pesticide use in Brazil: a strategy for Health Surveillance

Resumo O uso de agrotóxicos na agricultura brasileira é um problema de saúde pública, dadas as contaminações no ambiente, em alimentos e as intoxicações na saúde humana. Objetivou-se apresentar a distribuição espacial da área plantada de lavouras, consumo de agrotóxicos e agravos à saúde relacionados, como estratégia de Vigilância em Saúde. Obteve-se dados de área plantada de 21 culturas predominantes, indicadores de consumo de agrotóxicos por hectare para cada cultura e agravos à saúde. Espacializou-se o consumo de agrotóxicos nos municípios brasileiros e correlacionou-se às incidências de intoxicações por agrotóxicos: aguda, subaguda e crônica. Constatou-se predomínio dos cultivos de soja, milho e cana, que juntos corresponderam a 76% da área plantada no Brasil em 2015. Pulverizou-se 899 milhões de litros de agrotóxicos nessas lavouras, com Mato Grosso, Paraná e Rio Grande Sul tendo utilizado as maiores quantidades. Os agravos à saúde apresentaram correlações positivas e significativas com o uso de agrotóxicos. A estratégia metodológica possibilitou identificar municípios prioritários para a Vigilância em Saúde e o desenvolvimento de ações intersetoriais de prevenção e mitigação dos impactos dos agrotóxicos na saúde e ambiente.

Abstract The intensive use of pesticides in Brazilian agriculture is a public health issue due to contamination of the environment, food and human health poisoning. The study aimed to show the spatial distribution of the planted area of agricultural crops, the use of pesticides and related health problems, as a Health Surveillance strategy. We obtained data from the planted area of 21 predominant crops, indicators of the consumption of pesticides per hectare for each crop and health problems. The amount of pesticides used in the Brazilian municipalities was spatially distributed and correlated with the incidence of pesticides poisoning: acute, sub-acute and chronic. There was a predominance of soybean, corn and sugar cane crops, which together accounted for 76% of the area planted in Brazil in 2015. Some 899 million liters of pesticides were sprayed in these crops, and Mato Grosso, Paraná and Rio Grande Sul used the largest quantities, respectively. The health problems showed positive and significant correlations with pesticide use. The methodological strategy facilitated the identification of priority municipalities for Health Surveillance and the development of intersectoral actions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of pesticides on health and the environment.

Agribusiness Perspectives on Transgenic Wheat.

Declining yields of the major human food crops, looming growth in global population and rise of populism, and ill-founded bans on agricultural and horticultural crops and foodstuffs which are genetically modified have potentially serious implications. It makes the chance less than otherwise would be the case that agribusiness value chains in the future will meet the growing demand around the world for more and different foods from more and wealthier people. In the agribusiness value chain, transgenic wheat, meeting a consumer "trigger need" also must meet the "experience" and "credence," risk-related criteria of well-informed consumers. Public policy that rejects science-based evidence about the reductions in costs of production and price of genetically modified agricultural products and the science about the safety of genetically modified foods, including transgenic wheat, has imposed significant costs on producers and consumers. If the science-based evidence is accepted, transgenic wheat has potential to improve significantly the well-being of grain growers and consumers all over the world.

Engaging Agribusinesses: Feasibility and Cost of an ATV Safety Poster Project.

OBJECTIVES: All-terrain vehicle (ATV)-related deaths and injuries continue to be a significant problem. Influential change agents such as agribusinesses could be important partners for improving safety behaviors among rural ATV users. Our objective was to determine how effectively an injury prevention project could engage agribusinesses through the postal service and to assess their willingness to display a safety poster. METHODS: One thousand two hundred forty-four agribusinesses received an ATV safety poster and a postcard survey by mail. A randomized sampling of these businesses was surveyed by telephone 4-7 weeks later. Telephone survey questions included whether they recalled receiving the poster, and if so, whether, where and how long the poster was displayed. RESULTS: One hundred six postcards were returned. Of the 192 eligible business persons contacted by telephone, 89% agreed to participate. Approximately one-third of telephone survey participants recalled receiving the poster. Among these, 81% with walk-in customers posted it, and 74% still had it displayed 1 month later. Of participants who did not recall receiving the poster, 83% stated they would have displayed the poster. The cost of displaying each poster in a business was 16.6 cents/day during the first month. Final costs/day would be much less because of continued display. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of agribusinesses displayed or would have displayed an ATV safety poster, and most displayed it beyond 1 month. Unfortunately, participant recruitment via postal delivery alone was challenging. Nevertheless, mass mailing of injury prevention materials to be displayed in the retail setting may be a low cost method for raising safety awareness.

Precariedad en las condiciones de trabajo y salud de los trabajadores del sector bananero del Ecuador / Precarious working conditions and health of workers in the banana sector of Ecuador

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la influencia de las condiciones y organización del trabajo en el proceso salud enfermedad de los trabajadores bananeros en el Ecuador. El recorte empírico del trabajo se sitúo en la provincia de Los Ríos la cual es considerada la nueva capital bananera, ya que allí se ubican la mayoría de compañías bananeras del país. La orientación metodológica fue un enfoque cualitativo que incluyó observaciones, encuestas y entrevistas en profundidad a trabajadores, delegados y dirigentes gremiales de los cantones de Babahoyo (La Unión); Buena Fe (San Pedro de la Y) y Quevedo. Entre los hallazgos del trabajo se han identificado las principales políticas y estrategias patronales para gestionar el trabajo, y cuáles son las diversas expresiones que adoptan la flexibilización y precarización laboral. En tal sentido, se destaca la ausencia de normas contractuales sobre el modo de contratación, despido, salarios, imposición de tareas, condiciones de trabajo, entre otras, las cuales expresan la situación de gran vulnerabilidad de los trabajadores. Por otro lado, se registran problemáticas de salud vinculadas con diferentes factores de riesgo, entre los que se ubica la presencia de agrotóxicos, combinado con un trabajo intensivo, de ritmo alto, rutinario, de producción masiva que permiten un control mínimo del trabajador sobre el proceso productivo. También la presencia de jornada (especialmente en las fases de cosecha y postcosecha)(AU)

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of working conditions and work organization on the health-disease process of banana workers in Ecuador. The empirical component of our research was located in the province of Los Ríos, considered the new banana capital of Ecuador, where most of the banana companies of that country are located. The qualitative methodology included in-depth interviews with workers, representatives and union leaders from the cantons of Babahoyo (La Unión); Good Faith (San Pedro de la Y) and Quevedo. Among the main results, we identified the main employer policies and strategies to manage the work, and the different manifestations reflected by job flexibilization and precariousness. In this sense, the absence of contractual rules on hiring, dismissal, wages, job tasks, working conditions, among others, underscore a great degree of vulnerability of the workers. On the other hand, there are health problems associated with different risk factors, including the presence of agrochemicals, combined with intensive, highpaced, routine, mass-production work that allowslittle control of the production process by the workers. Also observed was the presence of strenuous and stressful work shifts, with high demands, with minimum rest breaks and days off (especially in the harvest and post-harvest seasons)(AU)