Abstract
Humans have traditionally sought provisioning services from rural areas, but society is becoming increasingly aware of other services that rural areas provide to human beings, agroecosystem services. At the same time, however, certain dysservices can be identified. The analysis of agroecosystem services and dysservices is a key point to consider in decision-making processes and provides a tool for acting on sustainability. Notwithstanding, few approaches to the dairy sector exist with this focus, and they often do not incorporate the vision of the actors from the entire value chain. The aim of the present paper is to identify agroecosystem services and dysservices deriving from the dairy farming in Galicia (Spain), as perceived by actors linked to this sector. The methodology followed a bottom-up approach (Focus Group) and identified 19 agroecosystem services (S) and 9 dysservices (D) grouped into four main categories: provisioning (6S/0D), environmental quality (5S/5D), rural vitality (6S/2D), and cultural heritage and quality of life (2S/1D). The results show strong awareness of services and dysservices, in particular as regards rural vitality (mainly related to employment and income generation) and environmental services (dyservices linked to intensive systems). We have, however, detected a significant gap in awareness of certain classical environmental services (carbon sequestration of pastures). Finally, one of the innovative findings is the identification of rural vitality services and dysservices, including the social role that farming plays in consolidating the population in rural areas, and in preserving local traditions and culture.
Highlights
Dairy production is one of the main agricultural activities across the European countries
The aim of this paper is to identify ecosystem services and dysservices deriving from the dairy agroecosystem in Galicia (Spain), through a bottom-up approach perceived by local actors linked to the dairy sector
Our aim was to better understand the impact of dairy farming on economic welfare, Our aimrural was to betterand understand the impact of dairy farming onthe economic welfare, employment, vitality the environment in Galicia by identifying agroecosystem employment, rural vitality and the environment in Galicia by identifying the agroecosysservices and dysservices it provides
Summary
Dairy production is one of the main agricultural activities across the European countries. At the same time, is one of the most intensified and industrialized with important impacts on territory and environment [1,2]. A more sustainable way of offering dairy products is needed and for doing that, all the stakeholders along the value chain must react. As a first step towards the definition of strategies to address a sustainable way of production, we look for identifying the key aspects regarding sustainability that stakeholders recognize. Dairy farming can be seen as an agroecosystem. In Galicia, dairy farming has reshaped the territory and landscape as well as the economy of rural areas in a significant way [3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
