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Six Collective Challenges for Sustainability of Almería Greenhouse Horticulture

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  • 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
    Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
    These authors contributed equally as main authors of this work.)

  • 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
    Internet Interdisciplinary Institute (IN3)-Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Av. Friedrich Gauss 5, 08860 Castelldefels, Barcelona, Spain
    These authors contributed equally as main authors of this work.)

  • 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
    These authors contributed equally as main authors of this work.)

  • 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
    Centre for Migrations Studies and Intercultural Relations CEMyRI, 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
    Centre for Migrations Studies and Intercultural Relations CEMyRI, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • 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 U, 2019. "Six Collective Challenges for Sustainability of Almería Greenhouse Horticulture," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:21:p:4097-:d:279805
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francisco José Castillo-Díaz & Luis Jesús Belmonte-Ureña & Francisco Camacho-Ferre & Julio César Tello-Marquina, 2021. "The Management of Agriculture Plastic Waste in the Framework of Circular Economy. Case of the Almeria Greenhouse (Spain)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Mahrokh Farvardin & Morteza Taki & Shiva Gorjian & Edris Shabani & Julio C. Sosa-Savedra, 2024. "Assessing the Physical and Environmental Aspects of Greenhouse Cultivation: A Comprehensive Review of Conventional and Hydroponic Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-34, February.
    3. Geng, Xin & Hu, Shi & Wang, Xunming & Cai, Diwen & Gong, Yuan, 2023. "Adaptive change of land use to nature and society in China’s agro-pastoral ecotone," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).

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