Increasing organic food consumption in Spain : an analysis of policy obstacles in national and European policy

Abstract: Consumption of organic food products in Spain has not kept pace with the expansion of production. Supporting the consumption of locally-produced organic food would increase the sustainability of food consumption in Spain. The objective of this study is to analyse the policy obstacles to an increase in organic food consumption. Data collection is based on a document analysis of governmental measures affecting organic food consumption and relies on both qualitative and quantitative data. The four major issues to consider in regards to organic food consumption in Spain are exports, food prices, consumer knowledge, and availability. National Organic Action Plans show a policy-gap concerning the price-differential between conventional and organic foodstuffs and the scarce availability in key marketing channels. Further, policies to promote locally-produced organic food in Spain are severely constrained by international trade policies. Future policy steps should combine information-based policies with other policy-instruments and support alternative structures of provision.