Food Movement Research Articles

Guest editorial. Revisiting the Slow Food Movement: Three Cases of Heritage, Innovation, and Sustainability in Alternative Food Networks

The special issue, ‘Revisiting the Slow Food Movement: Three Cases of Heritage Innovation and Sustainability in Alternative Food Networks', explores the integration of Slow Food principles within Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) to enhance sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. By analysing case studies from Afghanistan, Ireland, and Switzerland, the editorial illustrates how AFNs can address food security, local communities' social adherence, economic viability, and environmental sustainability. The Afghan case emphasises collaborative agribusiness for resilience and market access, the Irish study focuses on sustainable lobster fishing practices, and the Swiss example highlights the revival of traditional red berry cultivation. Utilising the Triple Bottom Line framework, this editorial explores the multifaceted benefits of AFNs in fostering sustainable food systems that align with local cultural practices and innovative agricultural techniques. This special issue provides valuable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars aiming to develop more resilient and equitable food systems globally.

A Social Practice Perspective of Ireland's Lobster Cultural Food Heritage

The research examines integrating the Slow Food Movement (SFM) with Ireland's lobster industry, emphasising preserving local culinary heritage as crucial for Sustainable Food Systems. This heritage includes both tangible elements, like agricultural practices and intangible ones, such as traditional food preparation. Slow food aims to protect these traditions from the homogenisation of food production. Using Social Practice Theory, the research analyses lobster consumption in Ireland, underscoring its symbolic importance in Irish culture to develop a novel framework adapted from the Social Practice Framework. The study combines qualitative interviews and secondary data analysis to explore lobster's role in Irish culinary heritage and its potential for promoting sustainable seafood consumption. Results from the study highlight the critical role of Irish lobster fishing communities in maintaining cultural food heritage, with traditional practices contributing to ecological and economic sustainability. The SFM influences lobster consumption, supporting sustainable and culturally important food practices. This research underscores the intricate link between tradition and sustainability, suggesting a model to balance cultural integrity with sustainable practices, contributing to a more culturally informed and environmentally conscious food consumption approach.

Alternative Food Networks in Afghanistan: The Role of Collaborative Agribusiness in Food Security

Afghanistan has been an understudied country despite its current difficulties stemming from political conflict for decades and its adverse impact on the country and society, such as food security. This article presents firsthand findings on the potential of collaborative agribusiness initiatives as part of Afghanistan's food system to address food security challenges.These embody an emerging body of literature known as alternative food networks, as part of the Slow Food movement that prioritizes community wellbeing, as a solution to food security. Findings are drawn from selected interviewees who are key Afghan stakeholders, ranging from farmers to experts in the agribusiness sector, relating to collaborative agribusiness initiatives which play a crucial role in fostering food security in Afghanistan. Specifically, it argues that through collaborative initiatives among farmers and the integration of marginalized groups, agricultural productivity increases, which ultimately leads to better food security. Three components emerge – resilience, resource enhancement and revelation (3Rs) – as the conceptual contribution. This approach of alternative food network improves access to markets and resources, particularly for smallholder farmers in remote regions and provinces.

From the ground up: The organic farming contribution to the health food movement, 1930–80

From the ground up: The organic farming contribution to the health food movement, 1930–80

Tasting Politics? The Relationship Between Neoliberalism, Political Consumerism, and the Slow Food Movement

Tasting Politics? The Relationship Between Neoliberalism, Political Consumerism, and the Slow Food Movement

Assessment of Acrylamide Levels by Advanced Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Imprinted Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Sensor Technology and Sensory Quality in Homemade Fried Potatoes.

This study evaluated acrylamide (AA) levels and various quality parameters in homemade fried potatoes prepared in different sizes by integrating principles from the Slow Food Movement with advanced sensor technology. To this aim, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was first developed for the determination of AA in homemade fried potatoes at low levels, and the AA levels in the samples were established. First of all, monolayer formation of allyl mercaptane on the SPR chip surface was carried out to form double bonds that could polymerize on the chip surface. AA-imprinted SPR chip surfaces modified with allyl mercaptane were prepared via UV polymerization using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a cross-linker, N,N'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator, and methacryloylamidoglutamicacid (MAGA) as a monomer. The prepared AA-imprinted and nonimprinted surfaces were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods. The SPR sensor indicated linearity in the range of 1.0 × 10-9-5.0 × 10-8 M with a detection limit (LOD) of 3.0 × 10-10 M in homemade fried potatoes, and the SPR sensor demonstrated high selectivity and repeatability in terms of AA detection. Additionally, the highest AA level was observed in the potato sample belonging to the T1 group, at 15.37 nM (p < 0.05), and a strong and positive correlation was found between AA levels and sensory parameters, the a* value, the ΔE value, and the browning index (BI) (p < 0.05).

Organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest and Northeast: Challenges and lessons learned

AbstractSmall grains provide agronomic benefits that are critical to the success of organic production, and opportunities within local food movements create expanded markets for small grains. However, diversifying rotations with small grains can present challenges related to production, infrastructure, and markets. Here, we draw upon over two decades of integrated research and Extension efforts to support organic small grain production in the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and other regions of the United States where these crops are underutilized. Lessons learned have led to the development of guiding principles for a systems‐level approach to support regional organic small grain production. Forming innovative partnerships between farmers, researchers, and end users is critical. This enables research, production, and markets to adjust to local needs, adapt to available infrastructure, and foster local grain economies. The key research challenges that lie ahead are also discussed, especially adapting organic grain production practices to regional conditions and changing climates. The systems‐level approach to organic small grain research highlighted here will increase the success and resilience of organic farms across the United States and expand the adoption of organic small grain production.

Agroecology, slow food and sustainable development goals (SDGs): resilience of agro-food systems, combat hunger, and local governance

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), transcending their prescribed targets and actions, propose a critical reflection on global food production and consumption patterns. These inquiries foster the promotion of resilient agri-food systems, with Agroecology identified as a pragmatically viable alternative for achieving the advocated goals. The scope of this article is to discuss these intersections, demonstrating that simple actions such as valuing local products, as advocated by Slow Food, can strengthen relationships and networks around food, promoting food security, preservation of knowledge, practices, traditions, and biodiversity, as well as the sense of belonging, improvement of quality of life, sustainable development, and local governance. Methodologically, this research is qualitative, adopting a bibliographical approach and employing a literature review to contextualize and reflect the problem, anchored in the Agroecology domains, SDGs, and the paradigm proposed by the Slow Food movement. This study substantially contributes to understanding the intricate relationships between the SDGs, agri-food systems, and Agroecology. By emphasizing the importance of seemingly simple practices, such as valuing local products, the article highlights the imperative of holistic and sustainable approaches to achieve broader sustainable development goals guided by the principles of “well-being.”

Impact of Globalization on Consumer Food Behaviour: A Comprehensive Review

The current market dynamics, including consumer food behaviour, are profoundly influenced by the processes of civilizational and cultural evolution, as well as the ongoing globalization phenomena. The discourse begins with an exploration of the theoretical underpinnings of globalization and its intersection with consumer food behaviour. It further delves into the broader phenomenon of globalization in the contemporary era and elucidates its specific impacts on the dietary and purchasing habits of consumers. The reviewed studies indicate that globalization has significantly influenced various aspects of consumer food behaviour. These include changes in grocery shopping patterns, an increased frequency of fast food consumption, and a heightened interest in both comfort foods and novel dining experiences. The pervasive reach of global media, multinational food corporations, and international supply chains has facilitated the widespread availability and popularity of diverse food products and dining practices across different cultures and regions. However, globalization's impact is not unidirectional. It has also catalysed the emergence of counter-movements and alternative consumer attitudes. There is a growing preference for locally sourced and environmentally sustainable food products, reflecting a backlash against the perceived homogenizing effects of globalization. Movements such as the Slow Food movement advocate for traditional and regional cuisine as a means of preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, heightened awareness of food safety and quality has led to an increased demand for organic and non-genetically modified food products.

Grassroots organizing for food systems change in the San Joaquin Valley, California

California’s San Joaquin Valley (SJV) is the wealthi­est agricultural region in the United States, yet it has among the highest rates of concentrated pov­erty and food insecurity in the nation. Despite a growing movement to change the food system nationwide and around the world, wealth and health disparities linked to the dominant agricul­tural industry in the SJV are growing. This study draws upon critical philanthropy scholarship to understand the opportunities and limitations of grant funding for the food justice movement. This qualitative research contributes a regional case study of grassroots organizing to change the food system from within a region dominated by industrial agriculture. To understand the challenges and potential for change from the perspectives of SJV grassroots organizers, this research draws on semi-structured interviews with 14 SJV organizers working for food systems change. Interviews were thematically analyzed and complemented with a review of activities across all identified organiza­tions’ websites to provide a snapshot of the food justice movement across the SJV. Particular atten­tion is paid to how funding structures may influ­ence organizing activity and discourse. The findings demonstrate how grantmaking influences the dominant narrative in the SJV and shapes organizing priorities and activities. I argue that philanthropic funding may divert the food justice movement away from directly challenging powerful political and economic interests. This study advances a critical conversation in food movement scholarship to change the conditions under which structural inequality is growing.

Unveiling quiet activism: Urban community gardens as agents of food sovereignty

AbstractUrban community gardening is emerging as a form of quiet activism challenging the corporate food system. In urban community gardening, quiet activism subtly challenges the dominant corporate food system. However, research tends to overlook its presence and impact in global South cities, where issues of food insecurity and corporatisation are acute. There is a gap in research on urban community gardening activism, with a focus mainly on global North cities. Global South cities and populations face unique challenges in the corporate food system that require attention and exploration in scholarly literature. We draw on qualitative research conducted with urban community gardeners in Cape Town, South Africa. Through interviews and observations, the study investigates how these gardeners engage in quiet activism to challenge the corporate food system. We find that community gardens are subtle but potent platforms for bolstering local food movements and fostering healthier dietary practices by cultivating and sharing produce. Quiet activism through community gardening offers a nuanced approach to challenging the corporate food system. The study highlights the need to recognise and understand varying levels of activism intensity and their implications for reshaping urban food systems. We underscore the need to discern the distinct embodiments necessitated by different modes of activism. Understanding these different modes of activism is crucial for comprehending their varying impacts on challenging and reshaping the corporate food system. This nuanced approach reveals the transformative potential inherent in community gardening practices. Community gardening in Cape Town exemplifies the transformative potential of understated acts in food activism.

Numerical study on nanofluidic transport mechanism in Ellis flow within curved channel comprising compliant walls subjected to peristaltic activity

Peristaltic movement of fluid flows has significant applications in biomedical engineering, medicine, human physiology, etc. Specifically, it is very useful to understand and cure the very common intestinal diseases in human beings. A number of theoretical and empirical models are used to analyze peristaltic movement. In this work, the peristaltic movement of nanofluid is modeled with a non-Newtonian Ellis fluid model in a curved channel with compliant wall properties. The effects of Brownian motion, thermophoresis, and nonlinear radiations are considered in the heat transfer for better thermal analysis. The mathematical modeling of the physical problem yields the nonlinear partial differential equations with boundary conditions. First, the governing partial differential equations are non-dimensionalized, and then the resultant system is simplified by using the assumptions of a small Reynolds number and long wavelength. Then the obtained boundary value problem of differential equations is solved with the built-in Mathematica command NDSolve. The accuracy and reliability of the adopted procedure are verified by comparing the computed results with the reported literature. The impacts of the pertinent parameters (Brownian motion, thermal radiation, mixed convection, and thermophoresis phenomenon) on thermal energy, velocity, concentration, heat transfer rate, and stress at the lower wall are analyzed both in qualitative and quantitative manners. This study revealed some interesting facts, such as the peristaltic-driven motion of nanoliquid is strongly influenced by wall properties (i.e., wall elasticity, mass density, and wall damping). In addition, the flow experienced more resistance in the case of larger wall damping, but larger wall elasticity and mass density provide favorable movement for fluid motion. In addition, mixed convection plays a vital role in heat transfer and nanoparticle concentration in the curved domain. In addition, the curved channel walls have a higher stress factor than straight-plane channels. The results of the current study are very useful to understand many biological phenomena, such as the peristaltic movement of liquid during dialysis, food movement through the intestine, etc.

The Movement of slow: From English to Italian and Back Again. A Diachronic Corpus-Based Study

The present study explores the changes in the meaning of the word slow, both in Italian and English, from the beginning of the Slow Food Movement (SFM) up to 2019. Since 1989 and the early days of Carlo Petrini’s SFM, technology has increasingly led people towards multi-tasking in an attempt to save time, while at the same time, back to the past trends are increasingly evident as seen in several other Slow Movements, for example, in catering and hand-made/retro chains. The concept of slowness is becoming a relevant and ethical topic that is often related to what is organic, local and sustainable, leading to the introduction of an anglicism in Italian, but also to a new whole re-semantization of the word slow in English. The primary objective of this study is to explore the semantic changes in the word slow diachronically both in Italian and in English. To this aim, two robust corpora were created, one from the Italian newspaper La Stampa and the other from the British The Guardian. The word slow was analysed within the different newspaper domains exploring frequencies, collocates, and identifying significant “repeated events” (Sinclair 2004: 28) together with their semantic preferences. Results from the diachronic analysis show that through the SFM, the word slow has taken on specific new meanings in Italian, related to the dimensions of ethics, wellbeing, and environmental awareness. These were then partly re-introduced in English. More specifically, the case of reborrowing of slow within the context of movements (slow fashion, slow tourism, etc.) has quite likely been influenced by the Italian SFM. As a matter of fact, this process of reborrowing involves both acquisition and loss in meaning in both languages. This seems to be a relevant phenomenon in a global context of constant linguistic contact where English appears to play a relevant role as a global language.

Dynamic Governance in the Thinking Ahead Dimension: Perspectives on the Implementation of the South Sumatra Mandiri Food Movement Program

Plant, fish, and poultry farming are all part of the Food Self-Summary Movement's efforts to shift the community's perspective from "buyers" to "producers". However, there are still many challenges in its implementation, including beneficiaries still concentrating on their primary sources of income, GSMP socialization not being optimal for beneficiaries, field assistance related to plant and fish cultivation not being optimal, and assistance provided services not being fully adapted to field conditions and beneficiary skills. Therefore, it is crucial to carry out research that attempts to examine how the South Sumatra Independent Food Movement Program (GSMP) is being implemented from a Dynamic Governance perspective. So, it is expected to be able to recommend solutions for implementing the South Sumatra Independent Food Movement Program (GSMP), especially in Palembang City. The focus of this research is Dynamic Governance in the implementation of the South Sumatra Independent Food Movement Program (GSMP), which is analyzed dynamic capabilities namely: Thinking Ahead (thinking ahead). The analysis techniques used include: Data Condensation, Data Display, and Conclusion Drawing/Verifications. Data processing will use the help of the Nvivo 12 Plus application by coding the results of the interviews. This study focuses on using Thinking Ahead in dynamic governance.

SEFERİHİSAR AS A CITTASLOW

Inspired by the Slow Food Movement, the main purpose of the Cittaslow approach is to inspire a healthier lifestyle by disseminating the Slow Food philosophy to local communities and city governments and implementing eco-gastronomy concepts in daily life practice. Accordingly, food consumption should be seasonal, and respect for health should be the first practice. The second obvious practice is to ensure that places such as works of art, squares, theatres, shops, cafes and restaurants are protected and used in the spirit of ancient culture and traditions. Thus, it is desired to resist the homogenization and globalization of the city by protecting the environment and preserving the cultural diversity and originality of the city. A third sign is that slowing the pace of life and traffic flow in settlements increases everyone's quality of life. Seferihisar, Turkey's first calm city, offers very special historical heritage items from the past, natural beauties and handmade products of today. Their promotion and protection are extremely important. Again, this example is intended to be a criterion for candidate settlements that will enter this group in the future. KEYWORDS: Eco-friendly settlements, social justice, safety, sustainable environment, good living.

Collaborative Governance in the Implementation of the South Sumatera Independent Food Movement Program

Collaborative Governance in the Implementation of the South Sumatera Independent Food Movement Program

Peningkatan Kapabilitas Organisasi melalui Pendampingan Implementasi Gerakan Sumsel Mandiri Pangan (GSMP)

The South Sumatra Independent Food Movement (GSMP) Mentoring aims to improve the organizational capabilities of farmer communities in South Sumatra, through improving Organizational Capability. The main problem faced is the suboptimal field assistance related to plant and fish cultivation. A participatory approach is applied through socialization, formation of working groups, identification of needs, preparation of action plans, training, and technical assistance, as well as development of market access. The results of the study showed a significant increase in farmer welfare, marked by an increase in average income of 25%, an increase in food production of 20%, and strengthening local capacity. This program has also succeeded in increasing farmer access to agricultural technology and wider markets, in accordance with the theory of community empowerment, human capital, and market linkage. Recommendations for the sustainability of this program include the application of a participatory approach and ongoing assistance in other community empowerment initiatives

TENETS OF THE SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT AS MOTIVATION FOR TOURISTS TO VISIT RURAL TOURIST HOUSEHOLDS IN SERBIA

Local cuisine is one of the foundations for how Serbian rural communities are presented to tourists. The desire for regional cuisine has recently increased, which has created opportunities for the promotion of regional and, most importantly, traditional production. The changing behaviours of travellers, who are becoming more conscious of the value of authenticity and quality when travelling, offer opportunities for rural areas to thrive while also creating a new horizon for tourism centered on the discovery of traditional cuisine and rural communities. This kind of travel can be compared to slow travel, which was developed in conjunction with the Slow Food movement. The Slow Food movement is a political and cultural movement with the goal of opposing the industrialisation of food production, promoting locally made, high-quality, sustainable food, and making a significant contribution to rural areas. Three guiding principles – good, clean, and fair – define what food should be and form the foundation of this movement. The major objective of this paper is to present the driving elements that have the biggest impact on tourists’ enthusiasm to visit rural tourist houses in Serbia. The research also seeks to determine how much the respondents’ desire to return to Serbia’s rural tourist households is influenced by motivating factors.

Urban food governance without local food: missing links between Czech post-socialist cities and urban food alternatives

AbstractFood is becoming an increasingly important issue in the urban context. Urban food policies are a new phenomenon in Czechia, where urban food alternatives to the current food regime are promoted by food movements or take the form of traditional self-provisioning. This paper examines how urban food governance in Prague and Brno is constituted based on the municipalities’ relations with actors engaged in urban food alternatives. We argue that prioritizing aspects of local food system transformation compliant with the status quo is non-systemic and implies a fragmentation of urban food alternatives based on different levels of social capital and radicality. We conceptualize urban food alternatives as values-based modes of production and consumption and focus on values that guide urban food governance in its participatory and territorial interplay with the actors of urban food alternatives. Our analysis reveals that the values underpinning the two cities’ progressive food policies do not match reality on the ground. We propose four types of relations between the two examined cities and aspects of the local food system transformation. Aspects compliant with the status quo, such as food waste reduction and community gardening are embraced, whereas those requiring more public intervention, such as public procurement, short supply chains, or the protection of cultivable land are disregarded, degraded, or, at most, subject to experimentation as part of biodiversity protection. Chances for a successful transformation of the local food system under such governance are low but can be increased by strengthening social capital and coalition work among urban food alternatives.

Land reform in the United States: Lost cause or simply a cause that has been lost?

In this commentary, I consider the topic of “land reform” in the United States, addressing the status of land reform as a key concept and goal among agrifood scholars, food/farm movements, and government actors. I do so in order to encourage sustainable food advocates to consider land reform’s importance, its social basis, and its challenges. Informed by secondary literature and my own thinking and doing over 20 years of food systems activism and research, I ask: Why isn’t land reform more prominent as a central objective? What dynamics keep land reform off the agenda of U.S. agrarian and food movements? What can previous histories of land reform agitation teach us? How can the elements necessary to advance toward land reform in the United States be built? I explore land reform’s lack with an eye especially to those explanations that open up potential avenues for action, in order to spark conversation on potential barriers to land reform efforts, and to suggest potential ways to overcome them. I discuss political-economic, ideological, and organizational barriers and emphasize the role of anticommunism in shaping today’s land politics among food and farming movements. It is hoped that the commentary offers researchers and practitioners actionable insights into the need for a land reform agenda, potential strategies toward a land reform agenda, and an honest assessment of the impediments to that agenda’s advance.