Rural development is closely linked to the networks for research and innovation, where a presence in the region or in situ is a definite advantage. A scenario has been played out where the bottom-up potential is in the making (Scoones and Thompson, 1994; Chambers, 2005; Ingram 2018). Tradition and convention are replaced by new knowledge and competence but implementing the restructuring strategies offer challenges to the farming communities. The diverse and dynamic strategies of small-scale farmers in the context of the rural-urban interactions of Rio de Janeiro illustrate how farmers adapt their land to suit their interests, understanding of the farm's agro-environmental conditions, regional traditions, market opportunities, available technical and financial resources, labour, and public goods (Bicalho and Machado, 2013; Machado, 2021). Geographical Indication (GI), for instance, offers differentiated and high-value-added products to the public. Since the qualities depend on the geographical place of production, there is a link between the product and its original place of production.
Since 2018, the debate on the Geographical Indication of orange has been one of the main issues on the agenda of the local groups and institutions involved with the farming community in the metropolitan countryside of Rio de Janeiro. This process involves a series of institutions and inter-institutional articulation at different levels of governance which has involved EMBRAPA (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation), EMATER-Rio (Company of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension of Rio de Janeiro state), the local and regional Department of Agriculture, SEBRAE (Brazilian Service to Support Micro and Small Enterprises), the Ministry of Agriculture of Brazil, and the local farmers’ association. The research investigates the role of the social group organised and the multiple interinstitutional relationships that shape the relational geography of the Geographical Indication process.
Keywords: Geographical Indication (GI)|Rural innovation|Local and regional governance|Small-scale farming|Greater Rio de Janeiro
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