FAMILY FARMING, SUSTAINABILITY, FOOD, AND HEIRLOOM BEANS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO RURAL TOURISM AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Sustainable rural development has been widely discussed as an alternative to conventional production models, particularly in light of contemporary environmental, social, and economic challenges. In this context, family farming stands out for its ability to integrate food production, environmental conservation, and the valuing of culture. Associated with this model, subsistence farming and the use of heirloom seeds contribute to the maintenance of agrobiodiversity and food security. This qualitative, bibliographic study aims to analyze the relationship between family farming, sustainability, and food, focusing on heirloom beans as a representative element of these dynamics, while also discussing their integration into rural tourism. The analysis reveals that heirloom beans transcend the realm of production, serving as cultural heritage and a potential resource for tourism experiences rooted in local identity. The study concludes that the interplay between traditional production, food culture, and rural tourism can significantly contribute to sustainable rural development.