• Four Andalusian Local Action Groups propose agroecological revitalization through the creation of "biodistricts."
• Local trade, employment promotion and agreements between producers and consumers are key aspects of this project.

Is it possible to create a system that allows for environmentally responsible agriculture and a local, proximity-based food model? This is the question that the various Local Action Groups (LAGs) that have presented the "Biodistricts: Agroecological Leader" Cooperation Project aim to answer . This innovative plan proposes, as its core, the creation of "Biodistricts," defined as delimited territories where activities such as local markets, the construction of food networks between producers and consumers, and the scheduling of crops based on domestic demand are carried out, all of which contribute to agroecological revitalization.

In this way, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Andalusian Regional Government is promoting the establishment of Biodistrict Andalusia, composed of "Ecoterritories" in which the primary management comes from local communities and stakeholders in the agri-food network. This strategy prioritizes residents, the local economy, and sustainability based on the production and consumption of local organic products.

Goals

On February 21, 2024, the Biodistricts Cooperation Project presentation event took place in Yunquera, Málaga. The event discussed the promotional plan for this initiative, which has already begun its journey with the pilot program " Biodistrict of the Sierra de Huelva Region ." To this end, a series of main objectives have been set:

• Strengthen collaboration to establish agreements in the region .
• Progress towards more ecological and responsible food models .
• Optimize economic, social and environmental stability.
• Ensure the long-term viability of local agri-food systems.
• Combat rural exodus and attract new settlers to rural areas.
• Promoting consumption and employment to generate wealth.

Plan of action

The Andalusian Agricultural and Fisheries Management Agency (AGAPA) is the implementing agency of the Regional Ministry for proposing the Action Plan for the Creation of Biodistricts in Andalusia (PACBA) . The key points of this program are:

1. Evaluation of the territory to be converted.
2. Identification of key actors and various initiatives that promote agroecological agri-food systems.
3. Meetings to disseminate information, generate new proposals, and establish commercial agreements with local restaurants and businesses.
4. Educational initiatives such as organic gardens and workshops to promote local consumption.
5. Actions to reduce food waste such as using surplus food for composting.
6. Development of technological tools to support direct marketing channels .
7. Promotion of good practices and success stories.

For all these reasons, the key players in achieving this plan are:

• Productive agents : farmers, ranchers, processing, distribution and marketing companies, rural tourism, catering and environmental awareness.
• Civil society : local professional associations and organizations.
• Research centers : educational centers, universities and other entities.
• Public administrations : for the creation of a regulatory framework and a development and financing plan.

Components and financing

The innovation project is carried out by different Andalusian LAGs: Guadalhorce , Campiña Sur , Sierra de las Nieves and Serranía de Ronda and the Rural Development Center of Axarquía (CEDER-Axarquía) .

This proposal is part of the LEADER grant program corresponding to submeasure 19.3 of the Andalusian Rural Development Program 2014-2022 and financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) .