Alinnea has recently released the report “Proposals to foster local food production and consumption in a climate-neutral way”, the result of a working group on agri-food chain sustainability, convened throughout 2024. The document offers key recommendations for transforming Spain’s agri-food chain towards more sustainable, resilient, and local models, in line with current climate goals.
The working group, promoted by alinnea, brought together a wide range of actors in the agri-food sector, including local producers, cooperatives, consumer associations, NGOs, researchers, and policymakers. Among the participants were Eroski, the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation, local cooperatives, and climate research centers such as BC3, reflecting the multi-actor and cross-sectoral approach of the process.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of the agri-food value chain — from production and inputs to distribution and consumption — identifying the main “knots” that hinder a climate-neutral transition and proposing action lines to strengthen the sector’s resilience. It highlights issues such as structural fragmentation, lack of reliable climate data, insufficient technical training, and limited financing mechanisms for sustainable production models.
In its second part, the report sets out concrete proposals to address these challenges. These include promoting a whole-chain dialogue to align policies on production, transformation, distribution, and consumption; creating training, support, and scalability mechanisms to replicate sustainable practices, especially in smaller farms; and developing a “win-win” narrative that links climate action with competitiveness. It also recommends establishing multi-actor financing vehicles and integrating climate risk management and resilience policies across territories.
With this publication, alinnea consolidates its commitment to inclusive and transformative climate action, aimed not only at protecting ecosystems and reducing emissions, but also at safeguarding the economic viability of the rural and urban fabric connected to the food system. The full report is available here.
