Researching European ‘alternative’ food networks: some methodological considerations

Abstract

Recent European literature on 'alternative' food networks (AFNs) draws heavily upon an apparently accessible and diverse body of non-conventional food networks in the agrofood sector and whilst researchers frequently refer to individual examples of farmers markets, box schemes, producer cooperatives and community-supported agriculture projects, less attention is given to the methodological processes that facilitate the identification and examination of these networks. From the preliminary stages of a research project focusing on examples of AFNs,2 this paper examines the process of operationalizing AFNs research and reviews the difficulties associated with identifying, comparing and characterizing AFNs.

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

“…Despite the overall aim to achieve changes in food quality, production, distribution and consumption, the AFN concept covers a broad variety of forms, such as on-and off-farm direct marketing (Allen et al, 2006;Brown and Miller, 2008), producer-producer networks (Marsden et al, 2008) or producer-consumer partnerships (Venn et al, 2006). Still, some commonalities are also discussed in the literature, for instance 1. spatial or organisational proximity of consumers and producers, 2. new modes of consumer-producer connectivity, and 3. shared values of actors within an AFN.…”

“…(see Forssell and Lankoski, 2015;Jarosz, 2008;Marsden et al, 2008;Sonnino and Marsden, 2006;Tregear, 2011;Venn et al, 2006;Wiskerke, 2009). …”

“…Venn et al (2006) focus on functional relations among AFN actors to categorise AFNs. They distinguish between producers as consumers, producerconsumer partnerships, direct sell initiatives, and specialist retailers (Venn et al, 2006).…”

“…Venn et al (2006) focus on functional relations among AFN actors to categorise AFNs. 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.…”

Food Relocalization for Environmental Sustainability in Cumbria

“…Moreover, ‗biotechnology is a fundamental requirement for long-term regional (and perhaps global) food security' ( [19], pp. [38][39][40]. When managing natural resources, ‗the whole supply chain must also be sustainable, to ensure food security, supply sufficient quantities of renewable raw materials and energy, reduce environmental footprints and promote a healthy and viable rural economy' ( [20], p. 9).…”