‘Values‐based Territorial Food Networks’—Benefits, challenges and controversies

Nemes, Gusztáv and Reckinger, Rachel and Lajos, Veronika and Zollet, Simona (2023) ‘Values‐based Territorial Food Networks’—Benefits, challenges and controversies. SOCIOLOGIA RURALIS, 63 (1). pp. 3-19. ISSN 0038-0199

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Abstract

The special issue titled ‘Values-based Territorial Food Networks – Benefits, challenges and controversies’ and this introductory editorial aim to bridge conceptual and disciplinary differences within the literature on alter- native agro-food networks and related concepts. In the editorial we outline a new umbrella term, Values-based Territorial Food Networks (VTFNs), which synthesises the key commonalities that characterise alternatives to the mainstream food system. VTFNs are defined as networks that connect agro-food and related stakehold- ers within a defined territory that operate according to a coherent set of ethical values centred on social justice and wellbeing, environmental integrity, participatory gov- ernance and economic fairness. We discuss how VTFNs relate to earlier concepts, showing the evolution from ‘alternative’ to ‘values based’, from ‘local’ to ‘territorial’ and from ‘supply chains’ to ‘networks’. The editorial also gives an overview of the empirical case stud- ies in the special issue, which explore 10 place-based food initiatives (from Austria, France, Greece, Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Hungary, Aus- tralia, Brazil and Japan) and address benefits, chal- lenges, social learning and controversies associated with VTFNs. The cases are grouped into three thematic areas. ‘Social learning and resilience’ focuses on collaboration through diverse partnerships as a necessary condi- tion for social innovation and for understanding new socio-technical practices. ‘Agency, negotiations and food governance’ explores the socioeconomic struggles, inter- relations and negotiated values associated with VTFNs. ‘Sociocultural environments, social capital and reflexive localism’ discusses the interplay between the economic and sociocultural dimensions related to VTFNs. The transversality of VTFN allows us to think about these dimensions from a systemic perspective, thus advanc- ing debates on the diverse sites and modes of agro-food sustainability.

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