Informe de Auxiliatura de Investigación. Título del proyecto: valoración del nivel de soberanía agroalimentaria del departamento de Santander en hortalizas, frutas y cereales

Abstract

Problem: the department of Santander faces significant challenges to its agro-food sovereignty, mainly due to its high dependence on imported products and weaknesses in local production capacity, which directly affects the region’s food security. Objective: this report aims to analyze the behavior of regional production and foreign trade flows in the groups of vegetables and greens, fruits, and cereals during the period between 2014 and 2023, in order to identify the main challenges and opportunities related to food supply and self-sufficiency. Method: a descriptive and quantitative methodology was applied, based on the collection of official statistical data. Through comparative tables and trend analysis, the evolution of production, imports, exports, and trade balance for the mentioned products was evaluated. Results: the analysis revealed a negative performance for vegetables, greens, and cereals, with trade deficits throughout most of the period studied. This reflects a strong dependence on imports to meet internal demand and a low export capacity. In contrast, fruits showed a favorable performance, with a growing trade surplus, especially since 2018, suggesting stronger production development and better integration into international markets.Discussion: although some products, such as certain fruits, have achieved good market positioning,the analysis highlights the urgent need to strengthen local production of vegetables, greens, and cereals. Improvements must be promoted to reduce the trade deficit and move toward more solid and sustainable agro-food sovereignty.