Análisis de las limitaciones de procesamiento de alimentos agroecológicos en la ciudad de Ambato

Abstract

At present, the agroecological production system is considered of vital importance due to the characteristics of the product that are related to the quality of the food, including reliability, durability and ease of maintenance. Agroecological food processing is sustainable and pollutes less than a conventional production system. In addition, the conventional system, having technified processes, results in greater energy and resource expenditure, directed unsustainable over time. The research aimed to analyze the limitations of agroecological food processing in the city of Ambato. The análisis was carried out through surveys applied to organic food producers that are located in the city of Ambato in order to determine what are the limitations for the production of organic food and the potentialities in agroecological production for the development of the market. The results obtained from the study indicate that there is a great diversity of foods in the area, which is why they give added value in the market, especially to the line of vegetables, fruits and cereals. The lack of knowledge and training is a limitation for agroecological producers to reach the market where theseproducts are directed. 11 percent of producers interviewed have organic certification, while 89 percent do not, which limits the marketing of their direct-to-consumer products in supermarkets. As a result, the development of value-added organic food production and its consumption should be encouraged even more.