Intensive Horticulture in Almería (Spain): A Counterpoint to Current European Rural Policy Strategies

Aznar-Sánchez, José A.; Gómez, Emilio Galdeano; Mesa, Juan Carlos Pérez

doi:10.1111/j.1471-0366.2011.00301.x

Cited by 55 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…This unique model is the most important driver of the enormous socioeconomic development the area has undergone in the last five decades, due to the hugely successful agricultural activity and tremendous effort on the part of family farms. Farming represents 27% of employment and 24% of GDP (gross domestic product) in this region [25]. The present work, therefore, contributes to the literature on agricultural sustainability by: (a) analyzing farming sustainability from a multidimensional point of view; and (b) obtaining evidence of sustainability as a driver of profitability for family farms.…”

Section: Case Studymentioning

confidence: 87%

“…This unique model is the most important driver of the enormous socioeconomic development the area has undergone in the last five decades, due to the hugely successful agricultural activity and tremendous effort on the part of family farms. Farming represents 27% of employment and 24% of GDP (gross domestic product) in this region [25]. Regarding socio-economic context, the production structure consists of around 15,000 family farms, with a mean size of 2.5 hectares.…”

Section: Case Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Is Sustainability Compatible with Profitability? An Empirical Analysis on Family Farming Activity

2016

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Sustainability is a social concern and a new strategic factor for productive and economic viability. Nevertheless, research on this subject in a holistic approach is limited, and even to a lesser extent when dealing with family farms. This paper analyzes the impact of different aspects of sustainability (socio-economic characteristics, environmentally respectful practices, and innovation) on profitability. The data collection instruments include a survey questionnaire on farming in Almería, a province in Southeast Spain, and the methodology followed involves a two-step regression model. The main results show how several socio-economic and environmental-innovation features of family farms have positive effects on their economic performance. Among others, profitability increases when there are better educated and younger family farm decision-makers; the farm is specialized and supported by more efficient cooperatives: and, particularly, when the family farm displays greater concern for environmental practices and better disposition towards agroecological innovation.

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Section: Case Studymentioning

confidence: 87%

“…This unique model is the most important driver of the enormous socioeconomic development the area has undergone in the last five decades, due to the hugely successful agricultural activity and tremendous effort on the part of family farms. Farming represents 27% of employment and 24% of GDP (gross domestic product) in this region [25]. Regarding socio-economic context, the production structure consists of around 15,000 family farms, with a mean size of 2.5 hectares.…”

Section: Case Studymentioning

confidence: 99%

Is Sustainability Compatible with Profitability? An Empirical Analysis on Family Farming Activity

2016

Self Cite

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“…In Andalusia, horticulture crops are produced in two cropping agrosystems [16,17]. One type is located in the inland regions with a sub-continental climate, having cold winters and hot summers, and in which crops are grown outdoors using cultivars without resistance to pathogens.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Influence of Crop Habitat and Control Strategies on Pepper Viruses in Andalusia (Spain)

et al. 2016

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Andalusia, southern Spain, is a major horticultural production region within the Mediterranean, where over 10,000 ha are dedicated to the production of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). Approximately two-thirds of the area dedicated to this crop is in a greenhouse and the remaining one-third is comprised of open field crops. Using pepper as a model, we identified and compared the major diseases caused by viruses in the different geographic regions and agronomic systems within the region. Pepper crops in plastic-covered greenhouses were predominantly associated with arthropod-transmitted virus diseases, such as TSWV. CMV was predominant in provinces located inland, and PMoV was found independent of the agrosystem, disease control methods, or geographic location.

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“…Due to advanced technology, irrigation in Níjar has been more efficient than in other agricultural districts around the world, including Mediterranean areas [26,31]. However, the water saved by this efficiency cannot compensate for the increased water demand caused by the increased number of greenhouses [32]. This increase exerted pressure on aquifers, and caused serious availability and quality problems-a severe aquifer overexploitation and a reduction of groundwater levels [33].…”

Section: Case Study: Níjar Districtmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions and Acceptance of Desalinated Seawater for Irrigation: A Case Study in the Níjar District (Southeast Spain)

Aznar-Sánchez

Ureña

Valera

2017

Water

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Abstract:In the context of increasing demand for irrigation water-but, at the same time, with the constraints in the supply from traditional resources-desalinated seawater has been recognized as one of the alternative sources of water to increase the supply for agricultural irrigation. However, its use among farmers has not yet started to expand. Policy makers need to understand what is causing the low acceptance levels of farmers, and how their attitudes could be improved. This is the first study that has conducted an analysis of farmers' perceptions and acceptance of the use of desalinated seawater for irrigation. The study is based on collected data from a survey completed by farmers in southeastern Spain who do not use desalinated seawater. The main results indicate that desalinated seawater as a water supply source has the lowest acceptance level for farmers. Barriers for its use are price, the need for additional fertilization, and the perception that it would negatively affect the yield and crop quality. The farmers' general level of knowledge about the impact of using desalinated seawater in agriculture is extremely low. Furthermore, farmers consider it a priority that their startup investment should be subsidized and that water prices should be reduced. Based on the study findings, this paper makes recommendations for the decision-making process in order to improve farmers' acceptance levels.

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Intensive Horticulture in Almería (Spain): A Counterpoint to Current European Rural Policy Strategies

Abstract: Much of the recently published literature in

Cited by 55 publications

References 22 publications

Is Sustainability Compatible with Profitability? An Empirical Analysis on Family Farming Activity

Is Sustainability Compatible with Profitability? An Empirical Analysis on Family Farming Activity

The Influence of Crop Habitat and Control Strategies on Pepper Viruses in Andalusia (Spain)

Perceptions and Acceptance of Desalinated Seawater for Irrigation: A Case Study in the Níjar District (Southeast Spain)

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