Sistema agroindustrial y su aportación al desarrollo local en el municipio de Vélez (Santander, Colombia)

Abstract

The study of agro-industry is important for populations and territories on a global scale that require food security. One such agro-industry is the production of guava snacks in the municipality of Vélez, department of Santander, Colombia. Its history dates back to the last century (before 1940) when sweets were made in an artisanal and family-based way. With the passing of time it developed into a remarkable agro-industry. The methodology used for the research was mixed (qualitative and quantitative). Information was obtained from 34 agro-industries as a sample population out of the 67 agro-industries in our study area. The instruments used were semi-structured interviews, surveys, field diaries, observation and direct contacts with local actors. In order to give conceptual support to this research, some theoretical references and approaches under which it is based are presented. Allusions are made to local development, regional development, economic geography and localisation theories, local production systems and rural agro-industry. In addition, a chapter is devoted to the certification of products with a territorial identity, such as Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications. There is also a historical overview of the guava snack agro-industry, starting before 1940 and ending in 2022, with details of its production and development. It is an activity that has undergone notable transformations in the forms of production, to the point where it has now become a modern agro-industry with an outstanding impact on local development. The research made it possible to analyse the agro-industrial production of the Velez sandwich from its history and its current production and marketing. The research concludes with a diagnosis and proposals for this unique agro-industry. The research has generated significant knowledge about the production of the Velez sandwich and its implications for the regional and national economy, culminating in the award of a Designation of Origin. The alliance and synergies between networks of entities, producers and consumers has managed to dynamise and strengthen this food agro-industry of the Veleño sandwich, contributing to the wealth and well-being of this Colombian región.