14 pages, via Online Journal, The aim of this article is to show the relevance of the sociology of market agencements (an offshoot of actor–network theory) for studying the creation of alternative agri-food networks. The authors start with their finding that most research into alternative agri-food networks takes a strictly informative, cursory look at the conditions under which these networks are gradually created. They then explain how the sociology of market agencements analyzes the construction of innovative markets and how it can be used in agri-food studies. The relevance of this theoretical frame is shown based on an experiment aimed at creating a local trade scheme between manure from livestock farms and alfalfa grown by grain farmers. By using the concepts of the sociology of market agencements, the authors reveal the operations that are required to create an alternative agri-food network and underscore the difficulties that attend each one of these operations. This enables them to see the phenomena of lock-ins and sociotechnical transition in a new light.
Hiroki, S. (author), Garnevska, E. (author), McLaren, S. (author), and Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
2016-06-01
Published:
Springer
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 7 Document Number: D10267
27 pages., Via online journal., Local food is a popular subject among consumers, as well as food producers, distributors, policymakers and researchers in many countries. Previous research has identified that the definition of local food varies by context, and from country to country. The literature also suggested that environmental sustainability is one of the goals for many of the local food movements. While there is a substantial body of literature on local food internationally, limited research has been undertaken in New Zealand. This paper aims to understand how consumers define local food, what attributes they associate with local food, and the extent to which life cycle-based environmental aspects are represented in these attributes. Primary research employed quantitative methodology. This study identified that a majority of the respondents considered that local food may be defined as food that was produced in New Zealand and that support for community was the most important attribute associated with local food. Reduced GHG emission, conserving the landscape, and organic production were the life cycle-based environmental attributes that were associated with local food. This study provides a basis for further research into understandings of local food in New Zealand and how to improve communication among different social actors with respect to demand and supply of local food.
2 pages, via Online source, Purchasing organic food in today’s world likely means taking a trip to Whole Foods, owned by one of the richest men in all of history, Jeff Bezos. Although it is hard to imagine organic foods as something other than a luxury item targeted towards affluent demographics, the origin story of the organic foods market is vastly different. Written by Winona State University associate professor of sociology Craig B. Upright, Grocery Activism: The Radical History of Food Cooperatives in Minnesota dives back into the 1970s to paint a vivid image of the subversive world of organic groceries and food co-ops before the era of Whole Foods.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 147 Document Number: C23500
Notes:
International Environmental Monitor via http://poll.orspub.com/poll/ 3 pages., Responses in a national survey of Chinese residents to three questions about the agriculture and food industry.
Ries, Carol P. (author), Tracy, Melanie D. (author), and Eastern Illinois University
Format:
Conference paper
Publication Date:
1994
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 97 Document Number: C07898
Notes:
James F. Evans Collection, Ham, Mimeographed, 1994. 1 p. Presented at the Society for Nutrition Education, Portland, OR, July 16-20, 1994., The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of cooking knowledge among adults of various ages. A convenience sample of 280 adults (71% female) completed a 40-item MC basic cooking knowledge test. The test was developed in consultation with two non-professional, experienced family cooks and validated by a panel of foods and nutrition faculty. The KR20 coefficient for reliability was 0.81. ANOVA was used to compare scores of males and females of the four age cohorts (20-35 yrs., 36-50 yrs, 51-65 yrs., and 66+ yrs.) from rural and urban areal. The mean score for the total group was 75% correct indicating a moderate level of basic cooking knowledge. Over two-thirds (68%) of the total sample scored 70% correct or better. Females (78% correct) scored significantly higher than males (68% correct). Participants aged 35-65 yrs. scored higher than did those aged 20-35 yrs. or 66+ yrs. (79 vs. 70 and 72%, p<0.001). Participants who lived in rural areas (pop.<50,000) as children (78% correct) scored higher (p<0.05) than did their urban counterparts (pop > 50,000, 73% correct). Knowledge comparisons made within each age cohort indicated that females scored higher than males, but no significant differences were found between participants with rural or urban backgrounds. Results indicate that while many adults are fairly knowledgeable about basic cooking procedures, a substantial proportion are not; therefore, food preparation education is warranted.
20 pages., via databse., Based on a qualitative investigation comparing the ways in which French and Israeli Bordinary consumers view naturalness in food, this paper questions the choices they make in terms of food supply and their relations to the food production processes and the retail channels. The results of the study highlight that these representations, with the categorizations in which they are embodied, are strongly influenced by the context of life and the socio-cultural affiliations of these consumers. The comparison between the two countries allows to underline that the logic of categorization of the natural, and the related practices, are characterized by significant differences due to food cultures and relations of trust or mistrust regarding the food chains and industries. More broadly, the article demonstrates that investigating the conceptions that consumers have of naturalness is a relevant analyzer of their dietary decisions and their perceptions of food production and distribution systems.
