Six Collective Challenges for Sustainability of Almería Greenhouse Horticulture

Antonio J. Castro, María D. López-Rodríguez, Cynthia Giagnocavo, Miguel Gimenez, Leticia Céspedes, Abel La Calle, Marisa Gallardo, Pablo Pumares, Javier Cabello, Estefanía Rodríguez, David Uclés, Salvador Parra, Jesús Casas, Francisco Rodríguez, Juan S. Fernandez-Prados, Daniela Alba-Patiño, Mónica Expósito-Granados, Beatriz E. Murillo-López, Lina M. Vasquez and Diego L. Valera
Additional contact information
Antonio J. Castro: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
María D. López-Rodríguez: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Cynthia Giagnocavo: Department of Economy and Business, Cátedra Coexphal-UAL Horticulture, Cooperative Studies and Sustainable Development, University of Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, CeiA3, and CIAMBITAL, 04120 Almería, Spain
Miguel Gimenez: Department of Economy and Business, Cátedra Coexphal-UAL Horticulture, Cooperative Studies and Sustainable Development, University of Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence, CeiA3, and CIAMBITAL, 04120 Almería, Spain
Leticia Céspedes: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Abel La Calle: Department of Law, University of Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Marisa Gallardo: Department of Engineering, CIAMBITAL Research Centre, University of Almería, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada, 04120 Almería, Spain
Pablo Pumares: Department of Geography, History and Humanities, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
Javier Cabello: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Estefanía Rodríguez: Instituto Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera de Andalucía (IFAPA), Centro La Mojonera, 04745 Almeria, Spain
David Uclés: Servicio de Estudios Agroalimentarios, Innovación Agroalimentaria, Cajamar, 04120 Almería, Spain
Salvador Parra: Instituto Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera de Andalucía (IFAPA), Centro La Mojonera, 04745 Almeria, Spain
Jesús Casas: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Francisco Rodríguez: Departamento de Informática, Universidad de Almería, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Juan S. Fernandez-Prados: Department of Geography, History and Humanities, University of Almería, 04120 Almería, Spain
Daniela Alba-Patiño: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Mónica Expósito-Granados: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Beatriz E. Murillo-López: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Lina M. Vasquez: Biology and Geology Department, Andalusian Center for the Assessment and Monitoring of Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almeria, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Diego L. Valera: Department of Engineering, CIAMBITAL Research Centre, University of Almería, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada, 04120 Almería, Spain

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-23

Abstract: Globally, current food consumption and trade are placing unprecedented demand on agricultural systems and increasing pressure on natural resources, requiring tradeoffs between food security and environmental impacts especially given the tension between market-driven agriculture and agro-ecological goals. In order to illustrate the wicked social, economic and environmental challenges and processes to find transformative solutions, we focus on the largest concentration of greenhouses in the world located in the semi-arid coastal plain of South-east Spain. Almería family farming, predominantly cooperative, greenhouse intensive production, commenced after the 1960s and has resulted in very significant social and economic benefits for the region, while also having important negative environmental and biodiversity impacts, as well as creating new social challenges. The system currently finds itself in a crisis of diminishing economic benefits and increasing environmental and social dilemmas. Here, we present the outcomes of multi-actor, transdisciplinary research to review and provide collective insights for solutions-oriented research on the sustainability of Almeria’s agricultural sector. The multi-actor, transdisciplinary process implemented collectively, and supported by scientific literature, identified six fundamental challenges to transitioning to an agricultural model that aims to ameliorate risks and avoid a systemic collapse, whilst balancing a concern for profitability with sustainability: (1) Governance based on a culture of shared responsibility for sustainability, (2) Sustainable and efficient use of water, (3) Biodiversity conservation, (4) Implementing a circular economy plan, (5) Technology and knowledge transfer, and (6) Image and identity. We conclude that the multi-actor transdisciplinary approach successfully facilitated the creation of a culture of shared responsibility among public, private, academic, and civil society actors. Notwithstanding plural values, challenges and solutions identified by consensus point to a nascent acknowledgement of the strategic necessity to locate agricultural economic activity within social and environmental spheres.This paper demonstrates the need to establish transdisciplinary multi-actor work-schemes to continue collaboration and research for the transition to an agro-ecological model as a means to remain competitive and to create value.

Keywords: biodiversity; sustainable agriculture; circular economy; family farming; intensive agriculture; transdisciplinary science; knowledge transfer; governance; water (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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