Farmers’ participation in territorial planning: a methodological approach for the case study of Huerta de Valencia

Participation in planning has become progressively important in territory management. As regards Territorial Planning, farmers are among the main stakeholders. In fact multifunctionality of agriculture admits a new role to primary sector. In particular the management of open areas is particularly strategic in peri-urban areas, where competition for resources is highest than in other areas, especially for the land. In this context, the involvement of farmers as privileged stakeholders to land management is even more important. This paper proposes a methodological approach for the evaluation of peri-urban land use plans by farmers, by means of direct surveys on a sample of Spanish farmers. In particular, it has been considered the "Territorial Action Plan of Valencia’s Huerta” (TAPVH).