Confusion and Misunderstanding—Interpretations and Definitions of Local Food

Abstract

Developing a more resilient food system based on sustainable food production and consumption is of major concern in creating food security. One issue in this complex field concerns the scale of the food system. Trends and tendencies show that the interest for local food has increased the last decade in Sweden, as well as in other parts of the world. Although the concept "local food" is commonly used, research shows that there is no single definition of it, instead definitions and meanings vary widely. This has led to a need by consumers of clearer information when buying "local food". Several main actors in the Swedish food sector have joined forces to meet this issue. This paper contributes to knowledge on definitions, interpretations, and practice on local food by presenting views and opinions among different actors in the food chain in a Swedish context, but also in the light of an international pilot study. Main findings concern how the meaning of "local food" related to production, processing, raw material, and distance differs among stakeholders in the food chain. A majority stated that the basic meaning of "local food" concerns both the production and consumption within a certain geographical area.

Local Entrepreneurship in the Context of Food Production: A Review

“…Regional Data included in the table show that the definitions presented in literature and legal acts are fuzzy, which was already emphasized. Also, Granvik et al confirmed that the interpretations and definitions of the term local food might be confusing and may lead to misunderstandings [36].…”

Farmers’ trade skills: exploring the local food chain in Leeuwarden, the 2018 European Capital of Culture

“…Local food has also been associated (and sometimes identified) with small-scale or organic production, craftsmanship and the promotion of local food traditions. On a critical note, it should be recognised that some of the aspects associated with local food (such as small scale) do not pertain to it necessarily, since local food may also originate from large food industries (Granvik et al, 2017).…”

“…In Europe, a growing number of consumers choose local products and associate them with higher quality, healthy eating and environmentally friendly production methods (European Parliament, 2016). Other aspects commonly associated with local food are small-scale production, craftsmanship and promoting local food traditions (Adams & Adams, 2011;Coley et al, 2009;Feenstra, 1997;Granvik et al, 2017;Lang, Stanton & Qu, 2014). Some of the qualities attributed to local food, however, are debatable.…”

An Assessment of Regional Sustainability through Quality Labels for Small Farmers’ Products: A Slovak Case Study

“…They are sold under different trademarks. Small farmers face a challenge to further improve the safety, health and quality of their products through various innovations that will enable them to maintain and expand their market share [32,33].…”