Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Food Science and technology, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute. Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organisation (AREEO). Karaj, Iran
2 Former Assistant Professor, Department of Economic Research and Rural Development, Research and Education Center of Agriculture and Natural Resourses of Hamedan. Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organisation (AREEO). Hamedan, Iran.
Abstract
Agro-processing industries ensure food security, reduce agricultural waste, generate value-added products, enhance productivity, and increase farmers’ income. To develop effective strategies for the spatial distribution of agro-processing activities, it is essential to identify both existing and potential capacities while delineating regional responsibilities based on local strengths. This study investigates the spatial organization of agricultural and livestock processing industries in Hamedan Province.
The SWOT analysis indicates that an aggressive competitive strategy is the most appropriate core approach for advancing processing industries. This conclusion is drawn from evaluating internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) alongside external factors (opportunities and threats). Following this analysis, the prioritization of processing industry groups using the TOPSIS method—based on criteria such as sustainable access to raw materials, employment-to-investment ratio, domestic/export market elasticity, environmental compatibility, product diversification, and alignment of processing capacity with production—highlights Hamedan’s potential for developing industries focused on:
Garlic and potato processing, Value chains for cold-climate fruits, Herbal plants, and Complementary storage and preservation infrastructure. On the other hand, investments in existing market-saturated industries, such as dairy products, vegetable oils, flour, and meat products, currently lack economic justification.
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