• More than 150 people connected from all over the country, almost 50% of them Local Action Groups.
• The past, present, and future of short circuits in the European Rural Development Policy.

The multifunctionality of agriculture, alternative farm models, and a change in model, more closely linked to social movements and urban demands, are some of the factors giving rise to short marketing circuits. Dionisio Ortiz , a professor at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, opened the discussion and presented elements for reflection and future improvement of these short marketing circuits.

In the European context and within the framework of current rural policy, Dionisio Ortiz pointed out that, although this concept had been included in this programming period in submeasure 16.4 , aimed at cooperation between distribution chain actors with a view to implementing and developing short distribution chains and local markets, the explicit mention of the promotion of these short circuits will disappear in the next period . Instead, the concept of Community Supported Agriculture will be introduced. However, "the final decision will rest with the Member States, in our case, Spain and the Autonomous Communities," according to Dionisio.

Local Action Group projects

Local Action Groups (LAGs), as knowledgeable agents of the territory, are key players in promoting this type of action, serving as a link between producers, the territory, and research centers.

Teresa Benejam and Noemi García from GAL Menorca presented Menorca at the School Square , A project that began with the basic objective of supplying school cafeterias in Menorca's public schools with fresh, seasonal, and organic products. Communication and consulting were key elements in successfully engaging all stakeholders in the local food chain.

On behalf of the LAG Consorcio Eder de la Ribera de Navarra , Teresa Arriazu presented “ We are vegetables: From the garden to your home ” , an initiative that consists of creating a directory of local production stores (producers and marketers), avoiding intermediaries and making it easier for local farmers to contact and sell their products, giving them visibility through social networks and the LAG website. Following the confinement derived from the COVID19 crisis, the project has gained a lot of impact, not only in the LAG territory, but also at a national level.

Gemma Cortada, manager of the Noguera i Segrià Nord Local Action Group, presented Noguera MentBo , an initiative that, through promotion and the identifying seal designed for the project, seeks to raise awareness of the region's agri-food products, empowering farmers to generate circles of trust among them.

Finally, Víctor Jiménez, president of the ADESIMAN Local Action Group , shared his experience participating in the CACOMER Operational Group . This project's objectives included disseminating and promoting innovative models for marketing agricultural products through alternative networks .

The day concluded with a space for attendees to participate, discussing their own experiences, asking questions and concerns, and reflecting on the value of promoting short-circuit marketing and local development .