The Potential Role of Short Food Supply Chains in Strengthening Periurban Agriculture in Spain: The Cases of Madrid and Barcelona

Abstract

Periurban agriculture is being hit by the effects of the globalized food system, as well as by concrete aspects of urban sprawl. Nonetheless, proximity to the main markets provides an opportunity to sustain agriculture in highly urbanized areas. In this sense, an increasing number of local initiatives is arising within the context of Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs). The economic impact of these initiatives, however, is limited by problems and inefficiencies that hinder their capacity to scale up. The present paper sets forth the results of a research project developed in Madrid and Cataluña. The study is based upon documentary and empirical research addressing the main problems periurban farmers are facing in relation to local food distribution. Among other factors, these refer to regulatory barriers, logistics, competition and dealing with consumers’ preferences. We conducted a questionnaire with a representative group of farmers from each region in three towns presenting different demographic sizes along with another questionnaire extended to the owners of small grocery stores, who play a vital role in the supply of fresh food in these municipalities. Our research demonstrates that most of the problems arising when dealing with SFSCS can be solved by introducing new forms of cooperation among the different agents of the food chain.

Peri-Urban Organic Agriculture and Short Food Supply Chains as Drivers for Strengthening City/Region Food Systems—Two Case Studies in Andalucía, Spain

“…This study is part of a series of studies of research carried out in Spanish metropolitan areas in the framework of a Spanish operational group called "Agri-food Hub: Feeding people, managing territories". In this research project, the peri-urban organic agriculture sector was selected as an area of interest for three main reasons [21]: firstly, because peri-urban agriculture in general, and the organic section in particular, constitute important sectors in the proximity of urban agglomerations, supplying multiple goods and services that are demanded by the urban society. This field of research and action therefore endows peri-urban organic agriculture with a leading role in rearranging the relationships between country and city; secondly, because geographical proximity to urban areas constitutes yet another opportunity to strengthen an emerging urban food culture that prioritizes consumption of "zero-miles" organic produce provided by small-scale farms operating close to the cities; and finally, because it has been seen that it is very difficult to design strong and sustainable agri-food strategies aimed at relocating the food system if the local production and the corresponding supply chain is not orientated towards the nearest urban market.…”

“…The methodological approach is based on the distributive method and uses the production and analysis of survey data as a technique. The survey technique has been chosen as it allows quantitative data to be systematically obtained with a questionnaire, as well as permitting the statistical treatment of this data, which favors compared analysis with other similar studies [21,22]. This study was carried out in two specific metropolitan areas (Granada and Málaga) and two subsamples are identified in each area: one, producers in peri-urban organic agriculture; and two, small retail traders as points of sale.…”

“…Not all SFSCs have the same impact in the agricultural sector or upon aspects related with improving their scaling up. As emphasized by Yacamán et al [21], the collective approaches are the ones that generally show a greater capability for social, environmental and economic transformation. For example, food clusters and food hubs are designed as spaces that enable small famers to collaborate and generate new ideas with bottom-up training, as well as being laboratories for product development and fostering creativity to address market demand [22].…”

“…When using a cooperative approach to make the logistics of regional food supply efficient, the following key areas need to be considered: (i) improve the efficiency of the whole supply chain through the shared use of vehicles and by creating shorter routes between the production zones and the local consumption points; (ii) strengthen the relationships in the supply chain, mainly with institutions to encourage public purchasing and small-scale commerce; (iii) optimize logistics to cope with inefficiency on a regional level through the aggregation of multiple small-scale farms to improve efficiency and reduce costs; (iv) carry out, wherever possible, joint planning between several small-scale farmers for a range of diversified products, ensuring year-round supply; (v) secure finance to invest in new technology (e-commerce and GIS tools) [21,29].…”

“…Based on this definition, the efficiency of the market relationships of the small producers can be improved, by providing middleman services, which ultimately allows small producers to achieve a business model that is more solid and better orientated to meet the growing demand of local produce. By aggregating products from local small producers they can reduce transaction costs and increase their negotiating power [21]. According to Perrett et al [31], this type of collective infrastructure provides better guarantees on hygiene measures, ensuring consumer safety, which is vital to maintain their role in food distribution, as well as allowing cost savings by resource sharing.…”