Truncated transfer: Continuity of dairy family producers, in question

Abstract

This article addresses the prospects of continuity and succession in the dairy activity, based on the analysis of the trajectories and perceptions of producers located in Entre Ríos, the basin of the Argentine Pampas region with the highest proportion of this kind of units. It is based on the review of secondary information and in-depth interviews with key informants and producers of different sizes, productive orientation, and spatial location. The results obtained show a significant number of cases that consider abandoning the dairy activity but not necessarily their condition as producers. It is argued that these situations of truncated transfer refer to a disaffection with the job that is associated with the difficulties for establishing working conditions perceived as satisfactory, particularly in small-scale units; the limitations at the territorial level; and the prevalence of a sectoral scenario characterized by the promotion of an increase of production and productivity, regardless of other considerations.