Information systems for small holder agricultural producers: the MERCOSUR Onion's Information Net

Abstract

Arrangement of adequate pricing information of agricultural products that are cultivated by small farmers constitutes a key element to facilitate commercial operations, improving their incomes. So, it is necessary to develop an agile, dynamical and transparent information mechanism, in order to link producers, buyers, technical, and public organizations, between themselves and others. These elements were taken into account to implement MERCOSUR Onion's Information Net. It was started in 1998 by the Agricultural Social Program (PSA) and INTA in San Juan's province (Argentina). Today, there are more than 20 representatives of public and private institutions of various South American countries that participate in it. The main aim of the experience was the articulation of an information net-system which linked the agents who participate in producing and marketing the products, in order to have information to permit every actor knowing at all times the situation of the product's markets.