Herb Mate Culture and Impacts of the Growing Soybean Production in Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The expansion of soybean production in Rio Grande do Sul has had significant impacts on the traditional culture of yerba mate. The growing global demand for soybeans as an agricultural commodity has led to the conversion of areas previously dedicated to yerba mate cultivation into extensive soybean plantations. This territorial displacement has altered the agricultural landscape, affecting yerba mate production and culture in Rio Grande do Sul. In addition to the physical transformation of the rural environment, competition for natural resources and labor has directly impacted local communities that historically relied on yerba mate as a source of livelihood and cultural identity. The advancement of soybean monoculture has also brought environmental challenges, such as loss of biodiversity, intensive use of agrochemicals, and changes in land use patterns. The impact of soybean expansion on yerba mate highlights the intricate interaction between commodity agriculture, the local economy, and traditional cultural practices. In this regard, this study aims to underscore the impacts of soybean production in Rio Grande do Sul on yerba mate culture, using map displays and literature reviews on the subject.