Nuances and relationships between the Terroir and the Geographical Indication of Minas Gerais coffee: a historical approach

Abstract

For centuries, coffee growing has been one of the most dynamic segments of the economic sector in Minas Gerais, considering the volume of production, the movement of capital and the socio-economic mass occupied in this activity. The main objective of this paper is to carry out an epistemological analysis, through a qualitative exploratory bibliographical survey, describing the relationships present in the production of coffee that has a Geographical Indication (GI) and the specific terroir in the state of Minas Gerais, as well as highlighting the increase in coffee production in the state. Coffee is the Brazilian agricultural product with the highest number of GI registrations at the National Institute of Industrial Property. Its historical trajectory has been part of Brazil's socio-economic and cultural formation since the 18th century. The GI has been the subject of observation and research because it allows the origin of products or services to be identified based on their geographical location. The concept of terroir, meanwhile, is related to key categories in Geography, encompassing the interaction between the natural environment and human factors. This concept is essential because it considers not only natural aspects (climate, soil, relief), but also human elements that influence production. The analysis carried out in this study was based on these concepts, making it clear that coffee production in Minas Gerais is directly linked to both the GI and the terroir. In addition to being the largest coffee producer in Brazil, the state stands out for producing certified coffees, recognized nationally and internationally, according to the standards established by the Brazilian Coffee Industry Association (ABIC) through the Coffee Quality Program.