Operations in the Cotton Chain: A Study at Agro-industrial Cooperative Holambra II and the Paulista Association of Cotton Producers (PACP)

Abstract

The study aims to study the operations of the cotton chain at Agro-industrial Cooperative Holambra II, especially the operations of planting, harvesting, processing and storage and destination of by-products. Of a basic nature, with a qualitative focus and exploratory descriptive objectives, the Case Study approach was used, supported by bibliographic research. Semi-structured interviews, documentary research and structured observation were the tools used in data collection. The Cooperative implemented changes in its organizational and compliance structure, seeking to increase its efficiency in decision-making, in addition to expanding its competitive advantages with better market positioning. The 2020/21 crop showed a sharp reduction in planted area, in view of the uncertainties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to competition from other products, with a consequent drop in production, and productivity above the average of the last five harvests. The Cooperative's strategy for anticipating the harvest period provides conditions for making the product available on the market in advance, with the possibility of obtaining higher prices. In the 2019/20 harvest, the production of plume at the Cooperative was equivalent to more than 70% of the state production. The study contributes to the expansion of the study of agricultural cooperatives in the field of management, focusing on the production of cotton, which produces the most important of textile fibers.