AGROECOLOGICAL PROCESS TO INTRODUCE YACON CULTIVATION ON FAMILY FARMING AT THE MOUNTAINS OF ESPIRITO SANTO STATE - BRAZIL

There is a growing global interest in consumption of yacon, Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Robinson (Asteraceae) roots, due to its medicinal and nutraceutical properties, prevention of metabolic and intestinal tract diseases besides the potencial for alternative sugar industry. There is also a growing interest in the production of yacon roots as a diversification option for family farming. Lack of information on the species’ behavior, lack of local technological references and seedling availability are challenges that must be overcome. A pioneering initiative was carried out on 2006 – 2007, to start introducing and adapting commercial cultivation of yacon in the mountain region of Espirito Santo State, Brazil, municipality of Santa Maria de Jetibá, Afonso Cláudio and Domingos Martins, communities São Bento do Garrafão, Mata Fria and Tijuco Preto, respectively. The aim of this paper is to integrate and provide information about various aspects of that process; to demonstrate initial management practices adopted; describe historical process and to arouse interest in this nutraceutical food that can bring benefits to both farmers’ families and consumers.