Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Peri-Urban Agriculture: A Case Study of L’Horta de València, Spain

Abstract

Peri-urban agriculture potentially serves as an essential green infrastructure, facilitating sustainable transitions within cities by providing crucial local food ecosystem services to urban populations. This study centers on L'Horta de València, a historically significant agricultural area surrounding the city of Valencia, Spain, which has been operational for an extended period. Legislative protection for the area was established in 2018, followed by the approval of a management plan in 2019, both formulated to regulate land use and stimulate agricultural activities. While it remains premature to assess the outcomes of these measures, an evaluation of the ongoing positive and negative transformations is feasible. This paper presents research aimed at addressing this objective and poses the question: To what extent are the newly implemented tools rectifying the originally identified issues?The study employed a semi-structured survey, administered to key specialists who were directly involved in the formulation process of the approved plans and represent a diverse array of stakeholders. The survey concentrated on a SWOT analysis, with the results organized along the following themes: governance of the agricultural area, behavior of major powers, social agent behavior, agricultural profitability, agrarian policy, market knowledge, farmer-society communication, environmental concerns, technical innovation, new transport infrastructure and urban development, and cultural services.