Alternative food networks: good practices for sustainable performance

Abstract

ABSTRACT New alternative forms of distribution and consumption are emerging in the food sector in response to the deficiencies of current market practices. The increase in alternative food networks, short chains and direct selling has led to the emergence of new forms of collective action. Collective farmer shops (CFSs) are small sales outlets created by groups of farmers that aim to sell local products with social motives of transparency, sustainable farming, food quality and the improvement of the producers’ livelihood. This research aimed to study the conditions under which these organisations maintain sustainable performance by achieving both social and economic goals. We developed a qualitative research protocol through 16 semidirected interviews with outlets engaged in an alternative food network in France. The results identify two groups that achieve social and economic performance and two groups that do not (only economic performance is achieved or none).