Understanding Alternative Food Networks: Exploring the Role of Short Food Supply Chains in Rural Development

Abstract

In this paper we explore the development and incidence of alternative food networks within a European-wide context. By developing a consistent definition of short food supply chains, we address both the morphology and the dynamics of these, and then examine empirical evidence concerning their incidence and rural development impact across seven EU member states. These developments need to be seen as one significant contribution to the current transitions in rural Europe concerning the crisis of conventional intensive and productivist agriculture and the public consumer pressure for a larger variety of distinctive`quality' food products.

Effects of consumer-producer interactions in alternative food networks on consumers’ learning about food and agriculture

“…AFN participants report about their appreciation for food and its origins. As examined in other studies, the appreciation for food and certain food qualities is one central element of social identity in AFNs (Jarosz, 2008;Renting et al, 2003;Wiskerke, 2009). Therewith, appreciation for food and its origin is a precondition for consumers to participate in an AFN, as confirmed by the interviewees in our study.…”

“…They distinguish between producers as consumers, producerconsumer partnerships, direct sell initiatives, and specialist retailers (Venn et al, 2006). For short food supply chains, Renting et al (2003) conceptualise three categories of networks: networks that rely on face-to-face communication, proximate networks that are more complex, and extended networks. Rather lacking are approaches using the content of stakeholders' interactions to characterise AFNs.…”

The spaces and times of community farming

“…This is part of what has been referred to elsewhere as a cultural turn in farming and food production, away from intensive and industrialised farming towards what have become known as alternative food networks (Renting et al 2003;Follett 2009;Wilson 2012;Si et al 2015). There is certainly evidence of this in the research, particularly in the UK case studies.…”

A dinâmica dos canais curtos de comercialização: o caso do Projeto Campagna Amica na Itália

“…Conceitos como relocalização, reespacialização e reconexão descrevem a natureza de alternativas possíveis ao sistema prevalecente (Renting, Marsden & Banks, 2003). A análise destas experiências mostra que, no âmbito das redes, aparecem identificadas várias práticas onde é recorrente a ideia de o alimento tornar-se um meio para desenvolver "consciência social e ação social coletiva" (Belasco, 2007: 17), produzindo mudanças via adoção de diferentes estratégias.…”