Sustainability of agroecological horticulture. Evaluation and reflections in the southeast of Buenos Aires province (Argentina)

In alignment with the tensions and controversies that challenge horticulture in urban-rural interface areas, particularly associated with agrochemical use, a cluster of horticultural production systems with agroecological bases and emerging commercial aims has been identified in General Pueyrredon (Buenos Aires, Argentina). In response to the public interest in promoting agroecology and the dearth of information, this article presents a sustainability assessment proposal applied to 20 previously surveyed production units. The proposal draws from MESMIS and TAPE methodologies and introduces a local-scale weighting of the 10 elements of agroecology proposed by the FAO for a more precise evaluation in the studied area. This contribution aids in locally tailoring an externally generated tool, aiming to evaluate cases using dimensions consistent with the socio-historically situated reality under study. Results highlight the utility of the proposed methodological tool for identifying potentials and limitations of selected production systems, generating insights to rethink local agri-food system planning. Conversely, adjustments are needed for application in other territories, such as weighting the 10 elements. Overall, the strength of extra-systemic elements is underscored, where the social component, including circular and solidarity economies or knowledge exchange, gains significance compared to intra-systemic elements like recycling or resilience, which are more associated with productive practices. This approach enriches discussions on sustainable horticultural production, addressing urban-rural dynamics and agrochemical concerns. By employing locally relevant evaluation criteria, it contributes to nuanced assessments and informed decision-making in agricultural policy and practice. The study advocates for context-specific sustainability frameworks, acknowledging the complexity and diversity of agricultural systems and emphasizing the interplay between socio-economic and ecological factors. Through such integrative approaches, it aims to foster resilience and adaptability in agricultural systems amidst evolving socio-environmental challenges.