Identification of critical production factors in planted forests of southern Brazil

This work has analyzed the forest-based production chain in the state, especially in the segment consisting of pinus and eucalyptus producing companies, under the prism of the principles of public policy development. The critical factors of the forest production link were detected and prioritized, using the component factor analysis to determine the critical factors and the Friedman test to verify the existence of differences between factors and order them. The Wilconxon test was used to verify the existence of differences in the perception of integrated and non-integrated companies in relation to critical factors. The use of the content analysis technique, theoretically based on the Pestel framework, allowed us to analyze the external environment through the identification of challenges and opportunities and their respective generating macro-environments. Based on the analysis of this compilation of critical factors identified in bibliographical research, 30 critical factors related to forest production were structured. The use of factor analysis and its subsequent interpretation provided the reduction of 30 critical factors in 10 factors. These were considered the critical performance factors of the forest production activity. Based on the analyzes carried out, the great relevance of the application of specific statistical analyzes is verified, aiming at the compilation of critical factors, which are added to the decision-making and articulations that favor forest planning. The critical factors for this study were technology, macroeconomics, logistical and social costs, and legislation. In this context, it is recommended to encourage small and medium-sized forestry companies to take the interactions between the critical factors into account. This needs the forestry-based segment to follow through the development of a joint forestry and industrial policy. In addition, it is recommended that the articulation between the private and government sectors in the search for the development of actions take advantage of the current context of pursuit of sustainability by the end consumer and the state's forestry potential