Traditional Varieties for Local Markets: A Sustainable Proposal for Agricultural SMEs

Cristian Pérez-Caselles, Margarita Brugarolas and Laura Martínez-Carrasco
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Cristian Pérez-Caselles: Department of Agricultural Economics, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Margarita Brugarolas: Department of Agricultural Economics, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Laura Martínez-Carrasco: Department of Agricultural Economics, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, 03312 Orihuela, Spain

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-19

Abstract: Agricultural activity has changed significantly in recent years. There is a clear trend towards monoculture and the replacement of traditional crops for others which are more productive and achieve better economic results. These factors have two fundamental consequences: on the one hand, the abandonment of agricultural activity, with the subsequent loss of rurality; on the other hand, a negative effect on the maintenance of biodiversity, because traditional varieties disappear. In this context, this paper analyses the situation of consumers and farmers of a traditional crop in the southeast of Spain: the tomato. In order to understand the current situation and the forecasted future, a choice experiment was conducted on 217 tomato consumers. Furthermore, 40 tomato farmers of this area underwent an in-depth interview. On the one hand, analysis of the consumer study established a potential segment of the population that prefers traditional varieties due to their high organoleptic properties. Meanwhile, the farmer study revealed a segment of this population that is willing to produce these types of crops. Therefore, the possibility that a certain sector of producers cultivates traditional varieties is suggested, and for these varieties to be aimed at a market niche that values them positively, making the activity of Small and Medium Enterprises (agricultural SMEs) profitable. This would improve the sustainability of the rural territory and would strengthen the preservation of genetic heritage.

Keywords: tomato; choice experiment; consumer behavior; rural development; Mediterranean crops (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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