Strategies to revitalise agro-food value chains in medium sized cities: the case of Vilanova i la Geltrú

Abstract

In recent years, large and medium-sized cities around Spain and other European countries have developed strategies to contribute to the recovery of local agro-food value chains. Through approaches that pursue bottom-up participation and the empowerment of local agro-food stakeholders, these strategies aim to preserve and develop local food production and consumption. The present study intends to contribute to the existing literature, through a case study in the municipality of Vilanova i la Geltrú (Catalonia). Two aspects add to the study’s distinctiveness: Firstly, it shows the potential of a specific workshop methodology, the World Café, to promote new idea generation and contribute to the bottom-up formulation of the agro-food strategy. Secondly, the municipality is a coastal, medium-sized city where rapid urbanisation has put pressure on the continuity of agro-food activities.