Territorialised agrifood systems and sustainability: methodological approach on the Spanish state scale

Abstract

This article presents a methodological approach for the location, characterisation and prospects of multifunctional agrifood systems territorialised on the Spanish State administrative scale. The proposal is applied to Spain, although it can be extrapolated to other locations. It is based on the determination of these systems’ dimensions (spatiality, sustainability, proximity, governance and multifunctionality) and attributes. Indicators of each of the dimensions are identified from the perspective of sustainability. The research has shown that multifunctional territorialised agrifood systems present internal territorial contrasts and differentiated features, and three basic models have initially been identified: (i) metropolitan; (ii) mountain and highland areas, and (iii) great inland plains and coasts. It is concluded that a fourth, mixed metropolitan–mountain model exists; complex and multi-scale approaches must be included in the study of the models; state scales are the most suitable for analytical purposes; the sources are limited, and acknowledgement of these approaches by public policies is essential.