Coronel Pilar, located in the Serra Gaúcha of Brazil, is distinguished by its picturesque landscape filled with vineyards and poultry farms, predominantly operated by local families on small rural properties. According to the local government, grapes and chicken are the primary agricultural products of the area. In 2022, the city had a working population of about 1,100 individuals aged 14 and older, with 816 of them, or 74.2%, working as self-employed, which marks a notable contrast to the national average of 26.7% for self-employed workers in Brazil.

This significant representation of self-employed individuals underscores the economic environment in Coronel Pilar, where larger companies are absent, and residents rely on their own enterprises to sustain their livelihoods. The data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) indicate that this municipality not only leads the country in terms of self-employment proportion but is part of a broader trend in the interior regions of Rio Grande do Sul, where the majority of municipalities with high self-employment percentages are also located. This unique economic structure raises important questions about the sustainability of such a model and the support needed for these individuals.

Furthermore, Coronel Pilar serves as a vital case study for understanding labor dynamics in Brazil's rural sectors. The high rate of self-employment can reflect both independence and a lack of traditional job opportunities, compelling individuals to create their own employment. This phenomenon highlights the need for policies that support small-scale agriculture and entrepreneurship to foster economic stability and growth in these regions.