Productivist or multifunctional: An activity theory approach to the development of organic farming concepts in Sweden

Abstract

This study proposes a unit of analysis based on cultural historical activity theory for examining the development of organic farming (OF) concepts. The study investigates whether organic farms are becoming more like conventional farms, with related environmental and social problems. The framework is illustrated with a historical analysis of the Swedish case of organic apple farming. The analysis shows that in Sweden, conventionalization is part of the current dominant "intensive organic farming concept", while an emerging concept, the "ecology of food systems", is attempting to break free from this process. The proposed analytical framework can be used for comparing OF concepts and for guiding future development efforts according to the needs of stakeholders.

Keywords

Apple production; concept formation; conventionalization; developmental dimensions

Published in

Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
2018, Volume: 42, number: 2, pages: 210-239
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

SLU Authors

• Swiergiel, Weronika

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Rämert, Birgitta

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Tasin, Marco

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG2 Zero hunger


UKÄ Subject classification

Horticulture
Agricultural Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2017.1394414

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/94935