Measuring the maturity of the basket of territorial goods and services: evidence from Southern Brazil

The concept of a Basket of Territorial Goods and Services (BTGS) is a theoretical-methodological approach aimed at identifying and strengthening the unique material and symbolic elements that contribute to sustainable development in rural contexts. The BTGS considers three main axes: the construction of a territorial image, the valorization of local markets, and governance of territorial development initiatives by diverse social actors. Although the theoretical literature on BTGS has advanced in recent years, the lack of standardized empirical indicators has limited the ability of the BTGS framework to be used in longer-term and comparative monitoring and assessment programs related to sustainable rural and economic development. This study developed and tested an indicator panel for assessing the level of maturity of the BTGS in Southern Brazil. Since the 1990s, the Rural Credit Cooperative of Seara (Crediseara), has implemented a collective action project to enhance the recognition and value of the region's environmental, cultural, landscape, and productive attributes. We piloted the BTGS indicator panel using a participatory approach with 14 civil society organizations, cooperatives, and public institutions. The results indicate a BTGS at a moderate stage of maturity, with Crediseara and the Family Agriculture Forum standing out as important regional governance hubs for rural development. Significant challenges were also identified, such as Indigenous voices being underrepresented in shaping local strategies and the limited collaboration between public policies and local initiatives. The study reinforces the importance of social participation in building sustainable territorial development processes and proposes the BTGS Panel as a strategic tool for planning, monitoring, and political dialogue. The research contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, particularly target 17.16, by strengthening collaborative models of evaluation and multisectoral governance.