Le commerce mondial et les exigences de normalisation : réorganisation locale et repositionnement global des systèmes agro-alimentaires. Le cas des agrumes de la Comunidad Valenciana (Espagne)

Trends in international trade and standardisation requirements have made it necessary to carry out thorough re-organisation of agrifood systems. This article analyses the process of re-organising the production and innovation systems in the citrus fruit sector in the Valencian Community, as well as interaction with the citrus fruit sector in Argentina. An evolutionary approach and qualitative methodology are adopted, on the basis of in-depth personal interviews. The article shows that the re-organisation is an open, social process which depends on the background, competencies and strategies of those involved. Standards are seen to promote cohesion, both within and amongst agrifood systems, although they may also represent obstacles to communication. © 2007 Lavoisier, Paris. Tous droits reserves.