Redefining power relations in agrifood systems

Abstract

Reconfiguration of power relations is crucial to transformations in agro-food systems. In this paper, we propose a conceptual basis for understanding this relation, building on the approaches to power of transition studies and other strands of studies. We explore the conditions for reconfigurations to occur by analysing three cases, concerning participatory plant breeding in Italy, public food procurement in France and diversification of agrifood chains in Wales. We highlight the critical importance of creating enabling relational environments, where power reconfiguration can occur. Within this new configuration, new, diverse sources of power are mobilized and new practices and institutions are co-constructed and legitimised, establishing the conditions for new socio-technical trajectories to emerge and for further transformative potential to develop. Our results show that a more variegated and dynamic configuration of power relations is needed. Transformations of agrifood systems depend on the variety of interactions that, in a multi-scale and dynamic dimension and through the play of the different forms of power, may develop among the actors involved. Understanding these processes and the implications that they show in terms of governance is critical.

Agri-Food Policy

“…The reconfiguration of the power relations in agri-food systems highlights dichotomous trends: from global to local, from national to transnational, from commodity groups and market chains to alternative agriculture and food movements, from international lobbies to global coalitions (Rossi et al, 2019). Agricultural interest groups thus face organizational problems and a plurality of positions, reflecting the increasing complexity of policy context, while the difficulties governments now have relating with them have made them change their lobbying strategies and venues (Halpin, 2005).…”

“…Studies of agri-food regimes help to understand these restructuring forces in global food systems, distinguishing different trends in power relations, key actors, and dominant interests, as well as prevailing ideas and cultural factors (McMichael, 2009;Rossi, Bui, & Marsden, 2019).…”

Research and innovation as a catalyst for food system transformation

“…Complex characterisations of food systems also encompass their “undesirable resilience” , whereby dominant regimes and unsustainable system configurations tend to reproduce themselves into locked-in states, making sustainable transformation difficult ( Geels, 2002 ; Grin, Rotmans, & Schot, 2010 ). It is increasingly being recognised that both inertia and transformative dynamics in food systems are co-shaped by power relations in the system ( Grin et al, 2010 ; Rossi, Bui, & Marsden, 2019 ; Spaargaren, Oosterveer & Loeber, 2013 ). Problematic power imbalances can further reinforce vested interests and status quo configurations ( Avelino & Rotmans, 2009 ; Grin et al, 2010 ).…”

Political ecology of milk: Contested futures of a lively food

“…Importantly, it also discounts the importance of governance changes that may transform relationships between actors rather than rely upon individual producers or consumers. Identifying leverage points to transform how food is produced and consumed necessitates attention to these power dynamics ( Galt, 2013 ; Moragues-Faus & Marsden, 2017 ; Rossi, Bui, & Marsden, 2019 ), yet such work is conspicuously lacking for dairy systems ( Alston, Clarke, & Whittenbury, 2018 ; Clay, Garnett, & Lorimer, 2020 ). Here we build a foundation for this research by reviewing work on the social–environmental dimensions of dairy.…”