Impact of Collective Action Membership on the Economic, Social and Environmental Performance of Fruit and Vegetable Farmers in Toledo, Brazil

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of participation in collective actions on the economic, social and environmental sustainability of fruit and vegetable farmers in the microregion of Toledo, Brazil. Through cross-sectional data analysis, we use a regression adjustment with the inverse probability weighted to estimate the average treatment effect on the treated. The results show a positive impact on sustainability indicators. However, there is a stronger impact economically than socially or environmentally. These findings suggest that participation in collective action can be an important strategy for farmers, as it reduces transaction costs and allows for greater access to information and knowledge, thus improving farmers’ sustainability.