Indicadores sociales de las unidades productivas para el desarrollo rural en Argentina

The paradigm of sustainable agriculture appeared in the late 70s, in answer to the negative externalities of the so called "green revolution”. Evaluation of indicators for social sustainability is not feasible without proper reference to a strategy for local and national development. The objectives of the work include, a) To recreate social criteria and contents in rural areas, b) To analyze attributes of productive units, that respond to those values, c) To select relevant indicators to assess these units, and d) To associate a profile of rurality with Rural Development. Six attributes that must coexist in a sustainable production system are postulated: social equity, productive stability and ethics, environmental, spatial and agronomic efficiencies. In order to assess productive systems, 8 indicators are proposed, considering their relative contribution to rural development. Among these, Farm Size, Land Possession and Farmers' Residence, stand out for their capacity to classify productive units. It is concluded that Family Farming encompasses the best attributes to promote a New Rurality.