Identifying opportunities and hurdles for food security: a critical examination of the City of Edmonton's food and agriculture strategy

Abstract

Local food has emerged as a popular social movement across much of the developed world. While many are quick to see it as a challenge to the dominant agri-food system, some critical social scientists caution against assuming its transformative potential. Using a case study of the development of a food and urban agriculture strategy in Edmonton, Canada, we explore both the transformative potential of local urban food initiatives and the hurdles faced in trying to move beyond maintaining the status quo. Utilising survey data and semi-structured interviews, we examine how citizens and stakeholders conceptualise sustainability and a more sustainable food system emerging in Edmonton, and identify the leverage points within these imaginings for long-term local food system transformation.