Galicia’s agricultural structure is characterised by fragmented, small-scale landholdings, historically linked with self-consumption, which has helped to maintain close relationships between people and land, preserving knowledge and sustaining an exceptional biodiversity of crops.

However, in a global market that demands volume, consistency and availability, these small-scale producers – which stand out for their diversity and seasonality – are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with standardised varieties and industrial processes.

‘Small is big’ builds on this context to explore new structures and initiatives tailored to the conditions of small-scale production, which, by linking production, distribution and consumption, could enable them to operate on a larger scale without losing their diversity.

Using RIA’s marmalade project as an example, the exhibition examines the various stages of the food production process, exploring innovative approaches such as shared food-processing facilities, producer networks and joint marketing strategies. Along the way, a series of questions arise:

What characterises Galician vegetable gardens? When can we say that a crop is local? What future does small-scale production have in a global market? Can a marmalade serve as an example for other initiatives?