Family farmers, Innovation and Markets

Executive Summary

The project aims to contribute to add value to the innovative food production and distribution strategies generated by family farmers. in order to understand and visualize family farmers and consumers´ practices, as well as their interaction with policy public actors, the project carries out selected case studies in Argentina, Bolivia and Spain.

Different activities (comparative study, a seminar and workshops) are developed in order to analyze the sustainability and replication possibilities of each case study. These studies allow us to create new knowledge about innovation processes, taking into account their logic of innovation to add value and access to markets. The methodology and the results of each cases and the comparative analyzed will be publish in different platforms. These publications will be useful to disseminate knowledge about creative practices in family farmers´ production and distributions to politicians, researchers and peasant organizations.

Besides, postgraduate courses about family farming and value-added markets will be organized in Argentina, Bolivia and Spain.

The technological solution

Innovative marketing and value-added experiences implemented by family farmers were studied (14). Qualitative and participatory methodologies were applied. In total, 282 open interviews were conducted with producers, consumers and technicians, 16 focus groups and workshops to analyze experiences, 22 observations at fairs and markets. The comparative analysis will allow to identify the common elements that make the innovations sustainable.

Studies show the importance of collective and professionalized practices, the use of ICTs, the efficiency of inclusive territorial governance models and the support of various state agencies, the role of collaborative social networks and the articulation with conscious consumers.

Results

Beneficiaries

• Direct beneficiaries: more than 3,000 family farmers
• Indirect beneficiaries: more than 250,000 people.

Policy makers, researchers and technicians will increase their knowledge and networks in issues like commercial innovation and added value for food family farming.
In covid-19 context, the environment benefits from food short chains which create a new conscious and environmental friendly producers and consumers.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors

Dissemination products