Risk perception and risk management measures by irrigated rice growers in Fronteira Oeste, Rio Grande do Sul

Agricultural production has many different influencing factors compared to other economic activities. One of the most striking is the extent of the risks to which it is exposed. Irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation, although seeming less susceptible than non-irrigated crops, is also exposed to risks. World's largest producer of rice outside Asia, Brazil has the state of Rio Grande do Sul as its main producer. The aim of this study was to analyze how rice farmers in Fronteira Oeste, Rio Grande do Sul realize the risks of their activity and how they manage them. Methodology involved the administration of a questionnaire, according to a non-probabilistic sample. The results indicated that rice farmers attach greater relevance to economic and social risks rather than to production related ones. Thus, one realizes the importance of business management, in order to integrate their activity with others links of the production chain. Costs reduction may be an option to mitigate market risks, identified as the most relevant by the rice growers. Rice growers' perception on risk and on measures to mitigate it may represent the foundation for formulating risk management strategies.