Sammanfattning

This study sheds light on a new generation of Swedish food producers, market gardeners, who are attracting attention in terms of food system sustainability, prompted by increasing consumer awareness about the value of healthy and locally produced food. Market gardening is part of a global agroecological movement opposed to industrialized agriculture and its negative impacts on the environment and rural communities. These food producers challenge the incumbent agri-food regime through the building of alternative food networks. This case-based study involving 14 young vegetable producers showed that young people who engage in market gardening are strongly motivated by dual incentives, namely entrepreneurship and transformation to sustainability. Six main competences were identified as important for market gardeners: practical skills related to growing vegetables, business management, innovation and continuous learning, systems thinking, pioneering, and networking. Individuals develop their skills through continuous experiential learning and gain knowledge through peer-to-peer learning using social media. However, they need to acquire certain skills relating to their daily work in the field and to managing a business. Market gardeners currently face a number of barriers erected by the sociopolitical environment, in particular regarding access to research-based knowledge, extension services, and business support.

Nyckelord

agroecology; competencies; food system; lock-in; market gardening; skills; sustainability; transition; urban farming

Publicerad i

Sustainability
2021, Volym: 13, nummer: 8, artikelnummer: 4502

SLU författare

• Drottberger, Annie

  • Institutionen för biosystem och teknologi, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

• Melin, Martin

  • Institutionen för människa och samhälle, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Associerade SLU-program

Naturupplevelser och hälsa


Globala målen

Avskaffa hunger, uppnå tryggad livsmedelsförsörjning och förbättrad nutrition samt främja ett hållbart jordbruk
Säkerställa hållbara konsumtions- och produktionsmönster


UKÄ forskningsämne

Jordbruksvetenskap
Livsmedelsvetenskap


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084502

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/111683