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Imprint
Leverage points for organic and sustainable food systems (FOODLEVERS)
Project
Project code: 2820ERA15B
Contract period: 01.12.2020
- 30.11.2023
Budget: 186,316 Euro
Purpose of research: Inventory & Assessment
Keywords: provenance, sustainability, resource protection, resource efficiency, consumer policy, consumer behaviour
To close the gap between production, processing and consumption it will be necessary to understand the role of all parts of a food system (FS). This project aims to analyse different forms of organic and sustainable FSs in different geographical and institutional contexts to understand how different layers of efficiency can contribute to improved natural and human resource use efficiency. We will apply a multi-disciplinary approach that enables us to understand material, organisational and behavioral dimensions of FSs. We will analyse the characteristics of case study systems in terms of agro-ecological factors, FS value chains, the interaction processes between actors and the decisionmaking processes in consumption. In particular, we will consider whether the way that innovative organic and sustainable FSs are pushing the boundaries of what is known, what is expected and what is thought to be doable, contribute to social theory about reorganisation and restructuring FSs. In doing so we will identify the leverage potential of different FSs to increase the performance of systems and to accelerate sustainability transitions. Key to this will be to understand how food production and consumption are linked and influencing each other. In particular we will consider how knowledge production and use (‘re-think’) and increased human/nature connections may be a lever for reorientation in FSs to increase resource efficiency. We will specifically address the role that socio-technological innovation can play in the reorientation of FSs and consider whether institutional change in FSs (‘re-structure’) can provide leverage for change in Europe as we shape policy on agriculture and the environment. The main tasks of the Philipps-Universität Marburg are the coordination of the project and socio-economic aspects with regard to value chains.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agricultural Policy
- Resource management
- Nutritional behaviour
