1993
The Analysis of the Sustainability of Production Systems

In the year 1993, a parallel study was carried out on the characterization of agriculturalists and agricultures of Machadinho.  The objective was the identification and characterization of the most efficient properties and production systems.

For the first stage, ten agronomic, socio-economic, and environmental indicators were selected or constructed from the more than 250 variables stored in the numerical data base.  An analysis of the data available for the years 1986 and 1989 allowed for the selection of a group of rural properties that simultaneously provided good agricultural, socio-economic, and environmental performances.  

During the field mission, this group of 36 properties became the object of a detailed survey, using a survey especially prepared in order to determine and validate the indicators used and their respective levels of performance.  As well, the technological components of the production systems practiced were described.

All data measured and observed were homogenized, formatted, and statistically treated.  Diverse indicators were generated and utilyzed in the classification of the "best properties of Machadinho".  Around 180 variables were treated and analyzed with the goal of obtaining good indicators for performance and sustainability and the identification of the main production systems practiced.