Milk production in Rio Grande do Sul (1995-2020): analysis of spatial distribution and growth

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the spatial distribution and performance of the microregions of Rio Grande do Sul in milk production, between 1995 and 2020. Specifically, regional specialization, spatial concentration and sources of growth were analyzed. For this, the Location Quotient, Location Gini and shift-share methods were applied. In terms of regional specialization, there was a reduction in the number of specialized microregions, especially those located in the Southeast, Southwest and Metropolitan regions of Porto Alegre, simultaneously with an increase in the number of highly specialized microregions, which are located mainly in the Northwest mesoregion. The changes in the degree of regional specialization occurred associated with the increase in spatial concentration, demonstrating that the more specialized regions became more productive, either by the adoption of new techniques and production processes, or by the favorable dynamics and structural conditions, with impacts on income generation and maintenance of the activity. The evidence corroborates the growth in milk production supported by productivity gains associated with a reduction in the herd and an increase in technology and specialization.

Key words: growth; specialization; milk production; Rio Grande do Sul.