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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2023

Diagnostic, regenerative or fossil-free- exploring stakeholder perceptions of Swedish food system sustainability

Roos, E.; Wood, A.; Sall, S.; Abu Hatab, A.; Ahlgren, S.; Hallstrom, E.; Tidaker, P.; Hansson, H.

Abstract

In an analysis of food system sustainability challenges and solutions among Swedish food system actors using Q -methodology, five perspectives were identified. One of the main three perspectives placed the highest priority on reduced meat consumption, food waste, and climate impact in agriculture, but downplayed strategies highlighted in the national food strategy and social aspects, and can be interpreted as a diagnostic climate mitigation-oriented perspective that does not reflect current negotiated policy processes or 'softer' values of food. In an alternative regenerative perspective, industrialized large-scale farming and lack of internalization of external costs were regarded as the main problems, and diversity, soil health, and organic farming as the main solutions. Proponents of a third perspective regarded phasing out fossil fuels, increased profitability of companies, increased meat production, and self-sufficiency as high priorities. These contrasting views can be a major barrier to transforming the Swedish food system. However, a number of entry points for change (i.e. aspects highly important for some and neutral for others) were identified, including focusing on healthy diets and increased production of fruit and vegetables. Focusing on these can build trust among stakeholders before moving to discussions about the larger and more sensitive systemic changes needed.

Keywords

Agriculture; Climate change; Food production; Stakeholders; Change agents

Published in

Ecological Economics
2023, volume: 203, article number: 107623
Publisher: ELSEVIER

Authors' information

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Energy and Technology
Wood, A.
Stockholm University
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics
Nordic Africa Institute
Ahlgren, S.
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Hallstrom, E.
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Energy and Technology
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Economics

UKÄ Subject classification

Economics
Climate Research
Agricultural Science

Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2022.107623

URI (permanent link to this page)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/119804