Summary
Civic Engagement in Food System Governance concludes by positing a theory of food systems practice. It is not a new idea. It is based on observation of how American and British local food movements try to re-form agricultural and food connections. Six components of this practice were identified.
- Multi-sector approaches. For example, activities may include representation of farmers, citizens, individuals with low incomes, distributors, retailers, policy leaders, and health professionals.
- Multi-level approaches. Efforts often cross local, county, regional, state, and national boundaries.
- Participatory process. Stakeholders – those who can benefit, bear risks, or be harmed by actions or inaction – are included in decision-making. There are a variety of levels and means of participation.
- Interdisciplinary analysis. Issues are examined from multiple perspectives, including professions and academic disciplines. For example, issues are not defined by a single primary perspective of environmental science, economics, social outcomes, or culture. No single disciplinary perspective is more legitimate than another.
- Multi-objective goals. Projects and policy activities typically address more than issue at a time. Activities are meant to benefit multiple stakeholder types simultaneously. Single–issue advocacy is not a favored communication technique.
- Inclusive orientation. Activities aim to reduce social inequality through diversifying participation and promoting empowerment. Over the long-term, inclusion of different perspectives increases.
The combination of these six approaches forms a unique critique and world view associated with local food projects, and can be applied broadly to how American and British food movements are evolving.
Importantly, several of these approaches exist in contrast to environmental movements in both countries, a reflexive evolution from the “what” of sustainability (economy, society, and environment) to the “how” of sustainable agriculture and food systems development.
Critically, the food system perspective views food-related activities as a whole, placing emphasis on the interconnections between different roles, places, and peoples involved in food production and consumption, and the positions (and power relationships) of entities and individuals.
These ideas of a food systems practice are at the heart of Alan’s policy practice.
Theory of
Food Systems Practice
Local Food Strategies LLC