Peri-urban agriculture, Agricultural Natural Parks and local markets for farm produce and livestock: a productive territorial response to the subordination of the countryside to the city

Abstract

The traditional subordination of the countryside to the city has been given an unusual emphasis over the past decades due to growing urban expansion carried out essentially by large and medium-sized metropolitan areas. The peri-urban areas are those most affected by the adverse impact of the pressure of urban functions, creating tensions and conflicts that end up marginalising the family farming practiced in these spaces. Over the course of time, peri-urban agriculture has created a valuable environmental and cultural heritage that is worth preserving. In this context the Agricultural Natural Park emerges as a strong safeguard of sustainable farming and livestock activity and the driving force behind an efficient, profitable agricultural use of peri-urban spaces, which will also generate a high added value. This type of agriculture, which is respectful of the environment in urban peripheries, makes it possible to establish a local agricultural food market, leading to the consumption of local, seasonal produce and greater food safety.