Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss and evaluate the role of hybrid forums as tools to address specific controversies related to sustainable practices in localized agro-food systems (LAFS).Design/methodology/approachIn contrast with other conventional public engagement methods, such as citizen juries, consensus conferences, focus groups or deliberative processes, hybrid forums entail a more dynamic and democratic mechanism to reflect and act together, with the aim of constructing a common project around a defined challenge (Callon et al., 2001, 2009). They can offer an enriching and challenging methodological approach in the context of LAFS, especially in the discussion of controversial issues around food chain sustainability. The authors present here a new generation of hybrid forums: HF 2.0.FindingsHF 2.0. represent both a methodological tool and a real experience of dialogic democracy, two interactive aspects which are closely interlinked and rest upon each other. The authors argue that the attractiveness of HF 2.0. is notable in at least two ways: first, they provide a solid democratic and reflective mechanism to stimulate effective dialogue and knowledge-exchange among different stakeholders; second, they contribute as an important methodological evidence-based tool, which can be used as a launching pad for shaping local action groups and community partnerships’ strategies aimed at fostering local development.Originality/valueThis paper attempts to provide a methodological discussion over the experimental use of HF 2.0. in the context of LAFS and assesses their effectiveness in the co-construction of knowledge. The authors explore their pragmatic validity in addressing controversies over local and sustainable seafood via empirical applications in Norway and the UK.

Highlights

  • Disputes among experts and consumer uncertainties are common pillars of local and organic food discussions, as emphasized by the above quotation from the renowned nutritionist Marion Nestle

  • In the context of this special issue, this paper explores the use of a dialogic methodology to shed light on the dynamic and multiple sources of controversies for Localized Agro-Food Systems (LAFS)

  • 4.2 The methodological procedure We proposed a methodological protocol – based on hybrid forum and the 3GDP – to support the application of HF 2.0. in a more systematic manner across the seven European countries as part of the S2F project

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Summary

Introduction

Disputes among experts and consumer uncertainties are common pillars of local and organic food discussions, as emphasized by the above quotation from the renowned nutritionist Marion Nestle. Research on Localized Agro-Food Systems (LAFS)[1] offers an extensive debate field, whereby specific economic, social and environmental aspects of. © Virginie Amilien, Barbara Tocco and Paal Strandbakken. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode

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