Producer Relationships and Local Development in Fresh Fruit Commodity Chains: An Analysis of Blueberry Production in Entre Ríos, Argentina

CRAVIOTTI, CLARA

Regional Studies

Regional Studies Association

Año: 2012 vol. 46 p. 203 - 215

0034-3404

In current regional perspectives intangible capitals are considered critical assets of regional economies. The aim of this article is to analyse the role of networks in the development of blueberry production in the province of Entre Ríos, nowadays the most important productive area of Argentina for this crop. It argues that although horizontal networks (either private or public?private) were not particularly important for the emergence of blueberry production in the area, they are needed in a situation where a redefinition of the agri-food chain is at stake. Coordination and cooperation networks could help to sustain the continuity of production at the local level and to make local small-scale producers viable in a global context.