Agricultura familiar x agricultura patronal: análise dos Impactos, dificuldades e influência no mercado de trabalho para estudantes e profissionais de agronomia em cidades da região Metropolitana e Tocantina do Maranhão.

Abstract

This study compares family and corporate farming models and their relationships with the labor market for agronomists and agronomy students in the Metropolitan and Tocantina regions of Maranhão. The research combined a literature review, analysis of secondary data from official sources (IBGE, INCRA, and EMBRAPA), and semi-structured interviews with farmers, students, and professionals in the field. In the Tocantina region, corporate farming predominates, generating formal and specialized opportunities in sectors such as extensive crop management, irrigation, and the management of large productive areas, although in a concentrated and poorly diversified market. In the Metropolitan region, family farming prevails, characterized by agroecological practices, direct marketing, and collective management, in a scenario of greater dispersion of opportunities and supported by public policies. Thus, it is observed that both models offer relevant possibilities for professional practice in Agronomy, but demand distinct profiles, aligned with the productive, social, and territorial specificities of each context. The main difficulties identified were deficient infrastructure, unstable policies supporting family farming, and land concentration that limits access to land. The research highlights the need to broaden the horizons of agronomic training, promoting skills that allow for qualified performance in different realities and contribute to a more integrated and environmentally responsible regional agricultural sector