Consumer and Producer Perspectives about Short Local Food Supply Chains in Rural Spanish Areas

This study aims to explore the impact of Short Local Food Supply Chains (SLFSCs) from the perspectives of producers and consumers in rural Spanish areas. Focused on the marginalized and rural areas such as Valle del Jerte (Cáceres,Extremadura) and La Garrotxa (Girona, Catalonia), this research employs a mixed-method approach, integrating qualitative data from interviews with supplementary survey data. Interviews were conducted with consumers, producers, and experts, while surveys targeted consumers and producers. This methodological framework facilitated a comprehensive analysis of consumption and shopping habits and perceptions of products sourced from SLFSCs. The findings reveal that consumers in these rural areas highly value the quality, freshness, and minimal processing of food products, with a marked preference for those products that support regional economies and offer health benefits. Rural habitats from Spain highlight the importance of local shopping dynamics, favoring direct connection with food sources as it supports the local economy. From the data collected, two primary consumer profiles were identified within these rural areas, being the “Consumer Enthusiast” the target market for SLFSCs. Additionally, the data analysis from producers and experts, enabled the execution of a SWOT analysis, assessing internal and external factors that present both opportunities and challenges for the development and implementation of SLFSCs. The producers’ and experts’ interviews revealed that the main weaknesses are regarding logistics because of the need for transport to have enough demand that cover the production volume. However, the strong ties between consumers and producers enhance trust and support the viability of local food chains, due to the fair price for both actors and many other sustainable impacts.