Vicente José Gallego Simón

El olivar regado en la provincia de Jaén

This paper is conceived as an initial approach to the series of deep transformations undergone by the olive tree monoculture in the province of Jaen. Specifically, we have focussed on the analysis of the impact of the use of water as a massif factor, inasmuch as this has meant the appearence of a new image and characterization of this sector both in terms of ecology and farming and in terms of economy and landscape.

Balance de la actuación del Instituto Nacional de Colonización en la provincia de Jaén

Una version resumida de este trabajo se presento como ponencia en el I Simposio nacional «Pueblos de colonizacion durante el franquismo. La arquitectura en la modernizacion del territorio rural», organizado por el Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Historico y la Universidad de Sevilla en abril de 2005.

The upgrading strategy of olive oil producers in Southern Spain: origin, development and constraints

This article argues upgrading in buyer-driven commodity value chains in highly specialized olive grove territories illustrates farmers’ reaction to globalization. To avoid low prices, local producers are seeking new ways of running farms, organizational innovations and to introduce new products into new markets. Although challenges in global marketing remain insurmountable for some, a number of olive-producing areas are reacting through endogenous development strategies that involve new training, information and knowledge. This article presents findings from qualitative interviews conducted to offer first-hand knowledge of opinions, challenges, problems and results key agents involved in olive oil production in Jaen, Spain, are experiencing. Findings show that a strong knowledge-based vision, generational change in running farms and diversification are needed to adopt new practices to improve local income.This article argues upgrading in buyer-driven commodity value chains in highly specialized olive grove territories illustrates farmers’ reaction to globalization. To avoid low prices, local producers are seeking new ways of running farms, organizational innovations and to introduce new products into new markets. Although challenges in global marketing remain insurmountable for some, a number of olive-producing areas are reacting through endogenous development strategies that involve new training, information and knowledge. This article presents findings from qualitative interviews conducted to offer first-hand knowledge of opinions, challenges, problems and results key agents involved in olive oil production in Jaén, Spain, are experiencing. Findings show that a strong knowledge-based vision, generational change in running farms and diversification are needed to adopt new practices to improve local income.