Introduction or preface

- Social conflict and cooperation. The case of Valencian citrus fruit cooperatives The production of Valencian citrus fruit, besides being the most traditional and representative cultivation of the region, was an important source of wealth during the first three quarters of the XX century, not only for the Valencian region but also, for the whole national economy. During this period of splendour, the agrarian cooperatives played an important role in the promotion of the citrus fruit production. Nevertheless, they have not succeeded in developing a cooperative model which could be sustainable in the long term and suitable to the new needs and problems of the sector. This article offers an overview of the situation of the citrus fruit sector in the Valencian region, and, in particular, it analyzes the weaknesses of the current cooperative model, presenting some suggestions for addressing future and necessary restructurings of the Valencian citrus fruit cooperatives.