Making reconnections in agro-food geography: Alternative systems of food provision

Ilbery, B.; Watts, D. C.H.; Maye, D.

Abstract

This article reviews recent research into alternative systems of food provision. It considers, first, what the concept of 'alternativeness' might mean, based on recent discussions in economic geography. Informed by this, it discusses food relocalization and the turn to 'quality' food production, arguing that both are 'weaker' alternative systems of food provision because of their emphasis on food. It then examines some 'stronger' alternative systems of food provision, which emphasize the networks through which food passes. Lastly, the paper reflects on the concept of alternativeness in the context of food supply chains, and suggests some possible directions for future research. © 2005 Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2005
• Journal: Progress in Human Geography
• Print ISSN: 0309-1325
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-0288
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 22-40
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/0309132505ph526oa
• Keywords: alternative food networks, relocalization, turn to `quality', weaker and stronger alternative systems of food provision
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1051417
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/0309132505ph526oa
• Additional Information: Additional Information : Food and Farming Jointly constructed by the three authors from an ESRC-funded research project coordinated by Ilbery.