Competitiveness of hydroponic production of leafy vegetables in Brazil

Abstract

This article makes an unprecedented strategic analysis of the competitiveness of hydroponic vegetables in Brazil through an exploratory study via SWOT matrix. It was used qualitative variables obtained from bibliographic research and interviews with hydroponic producers from the Southern region of Brazil. In order of importance, for the internal environment, the main forces identified are the efficiency and efficacy in the productive process, superior quality of the products and proactive conduct of the producers to k information. The weaknesses are the higher cost of production, high initial investment and fixed capital, and high technical complexity. In the external environment, the opportunities that boost hydroponics the most in the country are the trends for food traceability, changes in eating habits and consumers demanding more quality. The most relevant threats are the big competition for the market and lack of qualified technical assistance. The results of the elaborated matrix point to a strategic positioning in conditions to advance and take advantage of opportunities. However, there is a need to deepen the study of the factor affecting the decision-making process, especially weaknesses, since the defensive capacity of the activity is negative, demonstrating a high level of vulnerability.