The Locational Analysis and Prioritization of Agricultural Food Processing Industries in Golestan

The creation of new economic opportunities and its subsequent local - regional development is highly associated with industrial activities. Agricultural food processing industries is a very viable economic option namely in prosperous agricultural provinces. In fact, industries associated with agricultural sector are a prerequisite regarding agricultural activities. Indeed, agriculture sector and Industry are closely related through the development of complementary food processing industries, this association in turn will lead to achievement of sustainable development in rural communities. The identification of type of industries and its locational analysis is very important. Golestan province with the endowment of natural resources including ample water resources, pleasant climate and fertile land is being considered as a live agricultural focal point. Some of the produce of the province would directly be consumed or else food industries are supplied with. However, agricultural surplus of the province indicates high potential regarding the development of food processing industries. The research method of this study is based on hierarchical triangle for scoring and weighing the criteria. This is followed by application of ORESTE for prioritizing all of Golestan counties regarding food processing industries using 1390 agricultural statistics. This study suggests that Aliabad and Ramian possess high priority regarding development of these industries.