The role of cooperativism in agroecological transition and food sovereignty – Ateneu
The current agri -food model, dominated by intensive production and large corporations in the food industry, has generated a series of interconnected crises that jeopardize both environmental sustainability and global food safety. The massive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the speculation with food prices and the loss of agricultural land due to urban pressure are just some of the consequences of this system, which has brought in short -term profitability to the rights of people and the health of the planet.
In this scenario, the transition to an agroecological model and the reinforcement of food sovereignty have become an urgent need. Agroecology not only proposes a change in the way food is produced, but also defends a new economic and social model based on the proximity, social justice and the preservation of the environment. Cooperativism, as a model of collective and democratic organization, has become a key element in this transition, offering viable alternatives that guarantee the viability of the agricultural sector without sacrificing principles such as sustainability and self -management.
Food crisis and dependence on the global market
The current agri -food system is deeply linked to global financial markets, where food has become a speculative asset subject to the fluctuations of international markets. This situation has led to the fact that in times of crisis, such as the Covid-19 or the war in Ukraine, food prices have suffered exorbitant increases, especially affecting the most vulnerable populations.
In addition, the dependence of industrial monocultures and the globalization of distribution have caused many regions to lose their ability to produce their own food, generating a situation of food dependence that jeopardizes the sovereignty of the territories. Catalonia is no exception, and the Baix Llobregat, despite its long agricultural tradition, has seen how in recent decades its arable area has been significantly reduced due to urban planning expansion and real estate market pressure.
Cooperativism as a tool to regain control over food
In the face of this situation, agroecological cooperativism has established itself as a real alternative to move towards a fairer and more sustainable food model. Through producers, consumer and agricultural services cooperatives, initiatives are being promoted to recover local food production, guarantee decent conditions for people who work the land and offer consumers a quality access option at fair prices.
Them Cooperatives of agroecological producers They have been a key element in this transformation, facilitating access to land for new agricultural projects and ensuring marketing channels that allow farmers to sell their products without having to go through large distributors. Models like the one We eat Bages or On the ground They have shown that it is possible to create production and consumption networks based on mutual proximity and confidence.
On the other hand, the Agroecological consumption cooperatives They have contributed to democratizing access to healthy and sustainable foods, directly connecting producers with citizens. Projects such as Neighborhood taste or the Solidarity consumption network They have allowed to consolidate alternative distribution systems that prevent the intermediation of large surfaces and encourage a more responsible consumption model.
Experiences in the Baix Llobregat: a key territory for agroecological transition
Baix Llobregat is a territory historically linked to agriculture, with spaces like the Baix Llobregat Agricultural Parkwhich is still one of the most important agricultural production areas in Catalonia today. This space, which provides fresh and local foods in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, is also an example of how agricultural activities can be compatible with the protection of the territory and the promotion of a more sustainable diet model.
In this context, several cooperatives have promoted land recovery projects and agroecological production. An example is The nettlea consumer cooperative that connects Baix Llobregat producers with consumers in the region, ensuring a fair price for farmers and offering an alternative to conventional distribution circuits. Also highlights the project of Can Pujadesan initiative for the recovery of agricultural land that has launched a collective management model based on the principles of agroecology and the solidarity economy.
In addition, in recent years work cooperatives have emerged in the agri -food sector, which have opted for the transformation and distribution of foods collaboratively. A prominent case is The rurala cooperative that has developed a marketing model that directly connects farmers with restaurants and schools, promoting the consumption of seasonal and local products.
Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperative Agroecology
Despite advances in the sector, the agroecological transition still has to face several challenges to consolidate itself as an alternative to the dominant agro-industrial model.
⚠ Access to land and generational relief: The lack of access to arable land and the difficulty of generational relief in the agricultural sector are two of the main obstacles for the development of new agroecological initiatives.
⚠ Infrastructure and distribution channels: Small agroecological producers often have difficulty accessing distribution infrastructure that allow them to compete with large distributors.
⚠ Regulation and institutional support: Despite the benefits of agroecology, many regulations still favor the agro -industrial model, and more institutional support is needed to promote cooperativism in the sector.
To overcome these obstacles, it is essential to move towards public policies that promote agroecological production and agricultural cooperativism, ensuring that ESS projects are supported to consolidate and grow. It is also necessary to strengthen the agroecological consumption networks and give more visibility to the alternatives of marketing that put in the center the proximity and respect for the territory.
Towards a fairer and more sustainable diet model
Agroecological transition and food sovereignty are not only environmental issues, but also political and social. The current agro -industrial model not only contributes to climate change, it also concentrates power in few hands and reduces the capacity of communities to decide on their own diet.
Agroecological cooperativism is presented as a response to these challenges, offering a model of production and distribution that puts people, territory and sustainability at the center. In the Baix Llobregat, as in many other regions, the future of food calls for consolidating these initiatives and ensuring that the right to healthy and quality diet is accessible to everyone.
The question we have to ask ourselves is not just What kind of food we consume but also how and for whom they occur.
