The food processing activities have emerged as important issues within the Rural Development area, especially in the mid-1990s. When considering the history, these activities have evolved over time. Farmers have adopted new practices and processes influenced by a set of knowledge and technical skills. This article aims to present a proposal for a typology to characterize the trajectory of food processing activities, using as empirical context reality four regions of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. 64 families were interviewed (family farmers) who process food, using a semi-structured form, observations and field diaries to collect data. For data analysis, we used the qualitative technique called content analysis that guided the construction of typologies. Four distinct groups of families were identified, which depict the diversity of their trajectories. The main differences between the groups is relate to: the objectives of the families, the way started and changed the production, by using technical knowledge. The typology allows greater knowledge about the "universe" diversity that characterizes these activities in Rio Grande do Sul, contributing to the reflection on the interventions advocated by the programs and policies for family farming.