scholarly journals Embedding Cultivated Diversity in Society for Agro-Ecological Transition

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 784 ◽  
Author(s):  
Véronique Chable ◽  
Edwin Nuijten ◽  
Ambrogio Costanzo ◽  
Isabelle Goldringer ◽  
Riccardo Bocci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Genetic Resources Management ◽  
Scientific Practical ◽  
Ecological Transition ◽  
On Farm

Agroecology calls for a global approach, integrating scientific, practical, and advocacy dimensions, to redesign agricultural systems based on ecological and socio-cultural processes and emphasizing biodiversity. This review is grounded on the results of DIVERSIFOOD, a European H2020 multi-actor research project, and explores the concept of cultivated diversity using various dimensions relevant to foster sustainable organic food systems and agro-ecological transition. From the evaluation of underutilized genetic resources and forgotten crops, DIVERSIFOOD has proposed plant breeding strategies, on-farm experimentation, and statistical tools to create new populations, landraces, and organic cultivars with intra-varietal diversity. The added value of Community Seed Banks and forms of collective seed management in Europe have been described in terms of goals and activities, and their value for improving seed regulations, treaties, and genetic resources management is discussed. In the context of the current agro-food system characterized by standardization, DIVERSIFOOD raised awareness of qualities of ‘biodiverse food systems’ in which all actors have a role to play. It highlighted the critical capacity to preserve a diversity of cultural values embodied in ‘biodiverse products’, thereby involving consumers in collective strategies for reviving diversity, and empowering all actors of organic food systems to really and efficiently implement research within their farms and networks.

scholarly journals The Organic Mindset: Insights from a Mixed Methods Grounded Theory (MM-GT) Study into Organic Food Systems

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 4724
Author(s):  
Sebastian Kretschmer ◽  
Bettina Langfeldt ◽  
Christian Herzig ◽  
Thomas Krikser
Keyword(s):  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Distribution Networks ◽  
Grounded Theory Research ◽  
Personal Norms ◽  
Guarantee System ◽  
Food And Agriculture

A broad understanding of food systems includes a complex web of activities, outcomes and drivers, encompassing not only the food and agriculture sectors, but also the social norms and cultures in which those activities are embedded. The organic food and farming movement has lately been portrayed as a food system of its own right, since it contains all necessary sub-systems, consisting of food environments, distribution networks, processing, as well as production and supply, all of which are bounded by an organic guarantee system. The underlying hypothesis of this investigation is that drivers in the organic food system operate on a paradigm level that is associated with the codified principles of ecology, health, fairness and care. Personality science suggests that the choice to act in pro-environmental ways is driven by an internalized sense of obligation or personal norms, which justifies our pursuit of seeking key drivers of food systems in the mindset of the actor. Through integrated findings from actor-centered mixed methods grounded theory research involving eleven case territories, this study identified a pattern of global mindset attributes that intuitively drive organic food system actors toward holistic human and sustainable development.

scholarly journals Māori women leading local sustainable food systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-155
Author(s):  
Karyn Stein ◽  
Miranda Mirosa ◽  
Lynette Carter
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Cultural Values ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Community Gardens ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
The North ◽  
Kaupapa Māori

The article explores how Māori women in Aotearoa (New Zealand) are defining their own food system and the values of the women at the heart of their community food initiatives. Using a blend of participatory and kaupapa Māori (Māori principles) research methodologies, the study took place over the course of 3 years, involving four women or case studies who manage community food initiatives, with three located in the North Island and one in the South Island of New Zealand. The article discusses the benefits of community gardens and farms, noting how they are counteracting food poverty through promoting access to local food while bringing more attention to the essential role that Indigenous women play in addressing food security issues. The case studies exemplify how Māori women are leading the way within their own whānau (families) and communities, promoting local solutions to global food issues, solutions based on their own knowledge and Māori cultural values.

scholarly journals Public Food Procurement as a Driving Force for Building Local and Agroecological Food Systems: Farmers’ Skepticism in Vega Baja del Jarama, Madrid (Spain)

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marian Simón-Rojo ◽  
Andrés Couceiro ◽  
Julia del Valle ◽  
José Fariña Tojo
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Food System ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Public Procurement ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Food Procurement ◽  
Ecological Transition ◽  
The Impact

In the last decade, efforts to re-localize the food system have been gaining ground in a way that is intended to induce changes in the primary sector, thereby improving its conditions and sustainability. The European Union has identified food as one of the ten key sectors with outstanding potential for an ecological transition, and public procurement of (organic) food as an appropriate policy to foster agricultural development and support small farmers. In this study, we analyze changes in land use and farming dynamics in three municipalities close to the metropolitan area of Madrid (Spain). We also explore how stakeholders and farmers perceive the driving forces of these changes and the potential for public procurement in providing stability for farmers and more specifically, boosting the articulation and consolidation of the emerging agroecological sector in an up-to-date hostile peri-urban environment. Some urban policies and food strategies in nearby cities, such as Madrid, have introduced measures to promote sustainable food in public procurement. The procurement could drive 10% of the total food grown in the Comunidad de Madrid, with large variations in the impact on different food subsectors. However, if public procurement is to be organic, local production has no capacity to meet increases in demand, except for honey and oil. Food procurement would not lead to improved stability and increases in farmers’ incomes if public policies to boost ecological transition are not adopted in parallel. For farmers, economic viability takes precedence over other problems, and although public procurement has been mainstreamed as a valuable tool to support local agriculture, stakeholders do not have high expectations for it. The research shows that farm size and specialization have a strong influence on market orientation, and the agroecological farmers and social movements that support them are primed for innovation adoption and may act as catalysts for the process.

scholarly journals Factors that antimicrobial resistance in food systems: a participatory modelling approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Majowicz ◽  
I Lambraki ◽  
M Cousins ◽  
E J Parmley ◽  
C Carson
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Southeast Asia ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Compartmental Model ◽  
Food System ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Using Data ◽  
On Farm

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerges from a complex web of factors; understanding their dynamics is key to determining sustainable solutions. Thus, we aimed to create a model of the diverse factors influencing AMR in two food systems and model the impacts of interventions. Methods We built a causal loop diagram (CLD) of the factors driving AMR in the food chain via 4 participatory workshops (2 in Sweden; 2 in Malaysia) with diverse stakeholders. The CLD became the structure of a compartmental model, which was populated using data from multiple sources (e.g., interviews, surveillance data). Using fuzzy set theory, quantitative and qualitative data were converted to categorical variables. The compartmental model was created in AnyLogic and was used to test how expert-selected solutions (e.g., taxation) might impact AMR under different scenarios. Results Factors identified as influencing AMR across Europe and Southeast Asia clustered around key themes: on-farm (e.g., biosecurity); social (e.g., consumer demand); research (e.g., alternatives to antimicrobials [AMs]); economic (e.g., agricultural production levels); policy (e.g., trade agreements); and environment (e.g., waste management). Differences were identified between regions, for example, regulations and standards regarding imports or food safety were more relaxed in Southeast Asia than in Europe. Identified interventions included: AMR education in schools, training diverse stakeholders in AM stewardship, increased on-farm biosecurity measures to limit disease and the need for AMs, and taxing AM-containing products. Conclusions Our model captured a range of multi-level, interlinked factors that impact AMR in the European and Southeast Asian food system contexts. Preliminary findings suggest that different principles need to be cultivated (e.g., polycentric governance, cross-sector partnerships) to ensure that interventions addressing AMR are sustainable over time. Key messages Our study visually characterized the interlinked factors that impact AMR transmission and emergence in food systems. Our approach provides a tool to model impacts of potential interventions.

Why Supermarket Organic Matters

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connor J. Fitzmaurice ◽  
Brian J. Gareau
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
Regulatory Focus ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
The United States ◽  
Alternative Farming ◽  
Chemical Inputs ◽  
Relational Strategies ◽  
Radical Shift

In 2000, a radical shift occurred in the organic food system: the majority of organic food in the United States began to be sold in ordinary supermarkets. This chapter examines how the regulatory focus on chemical inputs facilitated the fragmentation and homogenization of organic farming, yielding a conventionalized organic industry capable of delivering food at a supermarket-sized scale. It also examines how these processes limit organic agriculture’s potential to represent a sustainable solution to the problems of modern food systems. This chapter begins with a discussion of what environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the food system would entail. It then examines the concentration of industrial influence in the organic sector in the wake of the federal organic standards, and looks critically at whether industrial organic practices can meet the challenges of sustainability. Finally, the chapter points to theories of bifurcation, which examine structural positions within capitalist agriculture that may offer spaces for alternative farming practices, particularly in places like New England. This chapter also notes, however, that such approaches focus on the political economy of agriculture, leaving the relational strategies alternative farmers use to take advantage of such structural holes unexplored.

Communicating imperceptible product attributes through traceability: A case study in an organic food supply chain

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena Lindh ◽  
Annika Olsson
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Food Safety ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Food Safety And Quality

AbstractCompanies in the food industry are driven to improve their traceability for several reasons. The primary reasons are food safety and quality. Another is the response to the increased interest among consumers in imperceptible product attributes such as organic, fair trade, dolphin-safe and non genetically modified (non-GMO). Such attributes are hard to distinguish and thus require generally enhanced traceability in order to verify their existence. This has led to an emergent area in which actors engage in gaining and maintaining traceability and communicating it to the consumers. This paper describes the relations between the actors in a supply chain (SC) in the field of organic food systems. It examines the objectives each actor has for gaining and maintaining traceability throughout the SC. The focus on organic relates to the challenge for the companies to ensure this imperceptible product attribute throughout the entire food system. A single case study was conducted in an organic food system providing organic ice cream products. The data collection included semi-structured interviews, observations, a review of internal documents and a survey among the participating companies. The findings illustrate and elaborate on the objectives companies have for engaging in traceability. The objectives identified are divided into three categories: food safety and quality, managing the SC and internal resources and communication with consumers. The survey confirms the results from the interviews that all actors want to engage in traceability. They prioritize the objectives differently, however. The study highlights the value of close relations between the actors when addressing consumer concerns regarding product and process characteristics, such as the imperceptible organic attribute.

scholarly journals Cultivating Alliances: The Local Organic Food Co-ops Network

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Sumner ◽  
Cassie Wever
Keyword(s):  
Social Movements ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Organic Food ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Alternative Food Systems ◽  
Mission Drift ◽  
Mouvements Sociaux ◽  
Sustainable Food System

Although social movements can lose their way in neoliberal times, building alliances can help them to leverage their strengths and overcome their weaknesses, thus avoiding co-optation and “mission drift.” One example of this strategy can be found within the co-operative movement: the Local Organic Food Co-ops Network in Ontario. A pilot study of six co-operatives in this organization reveals that they cultivate alliances in four ways: among member co-ops, through the creation of the network, with other types of organizations, and with other social movements. These alliances strengthen the co-operative movement, help to make the politics of alternative food systems work, influence the economy toward co-operation, and open up possibilities for establishing and maintaining a more sustainable food system. RÉSUMÉ Les mouvements sociaux, bien qu’ils puissent s’égarer à l’ère du néolibéralisme, peuvent établir des alliances afin de profiter de leurs atouts et surmonter leurs faiblesses, évitant ainsi la cooptation ou les déviations. On retrouve un exemple de cette stratégie d’alliance dans le cadre du mouvement coopératif en Ontario : The Local Organic Food Co-ops Network. Une étude pilote de six coopératives faisant partie de cette organisation révèle que celles-ci créent des alliances de quatre manières différentes : entre coopératives membres, grâce à la création du réseau même, avec d’autres types d’organisation et avec d’autres mouvements sociaux. Ces alliances renforcent le mouvement coopératif, aident à faire fonctionner les systèmes d’alimentation alternative, encouragent la collaboration économique et contribuent à établir et maintenir un système d’alimentation plus durable.

Disruptive innovation and operationalization in local and sustainable food systems: Examining the University of Toronto-Local Food Plus partnership

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 120-139
Author(s):  
Lori Stahlbrand
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Food System ◽  
Local Food ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
The University

This paper traces the partnership between the University of Toronto and the non-profit Local Food Plus (LFP) to bring local sustainable food to its St. George campus. At its launch, the partnership represented the largest purchase of local sustainable food at a Canadian university, as well as LFP’s first foray into supporting institutional procurement of local sustainable food. LFP was founded in 2005 with a vision to foster sustainable local food economies. To this end, LFP developed a certification system and a marketing program that matched certified farmers and processors to buyers. LFP emphasized large-scale purchases by public institutions. Using information from in-depth semi-structured key informant interviews, this paper argues that the LFP project was a disruptive innovation that posed a challenge to many dimensions of the established food system. The LFP case study reveals structural obstacles to operationalizing a local and sustainable food system. These include a lack of mid-sized infrastructure serving local farmers, the domination of a rebate system of purchasing controlled by an oligopolistic foodservice sector, and embedded government support of export agriculture. This case study is an example of praxis, as the author was the founder of LFP, as well as an academic researcher and analyst.

The Role of Research and Innovation in the Transformation of Agri-Food Systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-63
Author(s):  
Mariana Sandu ◽  
Stefan Mantea
Keyword(s):  
Technological Progress ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Research And Innovation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Determinant Factor ◽  
Rapid Transformation

Abstract Agri-food systems include branching ramifications, which connect in the upstream the input suppliers with farmers, and downstream farmers, processors, retailers and consumers. In the last decades, at the level of the regions, food systems have undergone rapid transformation as a result of technological progress. The paper analyzes the changes made to the structure, behavior and performance of the agri-food system and the impact on farmers and consumers. Also, the role of agricultural research as a determinant factor of transformation of agri-food system is analyzed. The research objective is to develop technologies that cover the entire food chain (from farm to fork) and meet the specific requirements of consumers (from fork to farm) through scientific solutions in line with the principles of sustainable agriculture and ensuring the safety and food safety of the population.

Fulfilling the Right to Food for South Africa: Justice, Security, Sovereignty and the Politics of Malnutrition

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 112-152
Author(s):  
Busiso Helard Moyo ◽  
Anne Marie Thompson Thow
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Food Justice ◽  
System Transformation ◽  
Right To Food ◽  
Economic Rights ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Right

Despite South Africa’s celebrated constitutional commitments that have expanded and deepened South Africa’s commitment to realise socio-economic rights, limited progress in implementing right to food policies stands to compromise the country’s developmental path. If not a deliberate policy choice, the persistence of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition in all its forms is a deep policy failure.  Food system transformation in South Africa requires addressing wider issues of who controls the food supply, thus influencing the food chain and the food choices of the individual and communities. This paper examines three global rights-based paradigms – ‘food justice’, ‘food security’ and ‘food sovereignty’ – that inform activism on the right to food globally and their relevance to food system change in South Africa; for both fulfilling the right to food and addressing all forms of malnutrition. We conclude that the emerging concept of food sovereignty has important yet largely unexplored possibilities for democratically managing food systems for better health outcomes.

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