scholarly journals Strengthening Sustainable Northern Food Systems: Federal Policy Constraints and Potential Opportunities

ARCTIC ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 292-311
Author(s):  
Amanda Wilson ◽  
Charles Z. Levkoe ◽  
Peter Andrée ◽  
Kelly Skinner ◽  
Andrew Spring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Federal Policy ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The North ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
The Right

This paper explores how Canadian federal policy and frameworks can better support community-based initiatives to reduce food insecurity and build sustainable food systems in the North. Through an examination of the current state of food systems infrastructure, transportation, harvest, and production in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut, we argue in favour of a multi-sector approach that supports diversified food systems, including traditional/country food production and distribution, in a way that values and prioritizes community-led initiatives and Indigenous peoples’ self-determination and self-governance. The challenge of developing sustainable, northern food systems requires made-in-the-North solutions that are attuned to cultural, geographic, environmental, and political contexts. Recent policy developments suggest some progress in this direction, however much more work is needed. Ultimately, sustainable northern food systems must be defined by and for Northerners at community, local, and regional levels, with particular attention paid to treaty rights and the right to self-determination of First Nations and other Indigenous communities.

scholarly journals Legal and human rights-based approaches to healthy diets and sustainable food systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D W Patterson ◽  
K Buse ◽  
R Magnusson ◽  
B C A Toebes
Keyword(s):  
Human Rights ◽  
Civil Society ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Healthy Diets ◽  
Health And Development ◽  
The Right

Abstract Issue Malnutrition in all its forms poses daunting challenges to global health and development. The agriculture sector is a significant contributor to global warming. COVID-19 has pushed many people into poverty, including food poverty. A radical rethink of business models, food systems, civil society involvement, and national and international governance is required to address the interlinked crises of COVID-19, obesity, undernutrition, and climate change. International human rights law, institutions and mechanisms provide important opportunities for norm setting, advocacy and accountability. Yet these pathways are under-utilised by both governments and civil society. Description The global AIDS response demonstrated the power of a human rights-based approach. United Nations' HIV/AIDS and Human Rights Guidelines greatly influenced the global consensus for effective, evidence-based approaches. The Guidelines also informed resolutions of the UN General Assembly and its Human Rights Council, contributing to more affordable medicines, an unprecedented increase in people on treatment, less stigmatising health services, the empowerment of marginalised groups, and the institutionalisation of norms, including “no one left behind.” Human rights-based approaches have also been successfully utilised in tobacco control. Results In 2019, 180 experts from 38 countries published an open call on WHO and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to initiate an inclusive process to develop guidelines on human rights, healthy diets and sustainable food systems. Most signatories were from the health and development sectors, demonstrating the increasingly broad interest in using human rights mechanisms to address global health challenges. Lessons Opportunities exist to transform food systems and create healthier food environments and a healthier planet by clarifying existing international obligations to progressively realise the right to food and the right to health. Key messages Market forces, alone, are failing to deliver healthy diets and sustainable food systems. International legal frameworks and accountability mechanisms provide opportunities for engagement and action. Human rights guidelines can help mobilize multisectoral action, strengthen State and private sector accountability, and deepen community engagement in the urgent task of achieving Agenda 2030.

scholarly journals Do trade agreements substantially limit development of local / sustainable food systems in Canada?

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rod MacRae
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Textual Analysis ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Trade Agreements ◽  
Trade Disputes ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Common View ◽  
The North ◽  
Sustainable Implementation

<p>A common view in policy and business circles is that certain elements of trade agreements (General Agreement on Tariff and Trade rules, the World Trade Organization Agreement on Agriculture, and the North American Free Trade Agreement) and the Canadian Agreement on Internal Trade significantly limit the policy and program instruments available to support the development of local/sustainable food systems.  This exploratory textual analysis of select trade articles, filtered through a local/sustainable lens, suggests that Canadian governments can put in place more substantial policy and program drivers without triggering trade disputes.  Of particular note is that local/sustainable foods may not be considered equivalent to imported conventional ones, and therefore many provisions of the trade agreements may not be applicable.  Equally important, the rules do permit certain kinds of support, there are numerous exemptions and thresholds for application of measures, and many current actors in local/sustainable implementation may not be subject to the agreements. Based on this textual analysis, pertinent instrument design features are proposed that would allow governments and other parties to support local/sustainable food systems without triggering trade disputes.</p><p> </p><p>You are invited to respond to this article by sending an email to <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>. Find this article and a continuously updated dialogue of responses by visiting the article’s dedicated <a title="Food Systems Transistion Stream v1i1.25" href="/index.php/cfs/pages/view/v1i1.25">web page</a>.</p>

Traditional food, the right to food, and sustainable food systems

2020 ◽  
pp. 65-83
Author(s):  
Alison Blay-Palmer ◽  
Andrew Spring ◽  
Evelyn R. Nimmo ◽  
André Eduardo Biscaia de Lacerda
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Right To Food ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The Right

scholarly journals Consumer Habits of Local Food: Perspectives from Northern Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 6715 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Nicolosi ◽  
Valentina Rosa Laganà ◽  
Daniel Laven ◽  
Claudio Marcianò ◽  
Wilhelm Skoglund
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Multiple Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Slow Food ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
The North ◽  
The One ◽  
Consumer Habits

International studies are dealing with the promotion of sustainable food systems more frequently. Additionally, places of purchase and sharing in the choice of food to be consumed have become a network system for families. The aim of this work is to analyse the preferences of Swedish consumers for local/artisanal cheeses and the purchase motivations that guide their choices. We also studied the role played by consumers’ favourite shopping locations (retail store, hypermarket, city market, supply chain). On the one hand, we examined the attractiveness and the power exercised by the various stores and on the other hand, we viewed the consumer in relation to the frequency of purchase, and the confidence with the sales points. We interviewed 200 people in the city of Östersund, highlighting habits, consumption preferences and reasons for purchasing. A multiple correspondence analysis explores the reasons behind the purchase preferences of the local ‘Källarlagrad getost’ artisan cheese from the Slow Food brand. The representations of social network analysis are used to show the complex articulations that influence the choices of consumers in terms of type of cheese purchased/consumed and places of purchase/consumption. The results showed that Swedish consumers, in the purchase of cheeses, have a loyalty point at the point of sale, follow the advice of the seller and are attentive to the reputation of the product. Those who buy Källarlagrad getost are sensitive to safety, appreciate artisan cheeses and choose them for their versatility, have a strong connection with the territory and wish to contribute to supporting the local economy. Knowing these characteristics and preferences of Swedish consumers living in a city in the north of the country is important for marketing activities and for promoting tourism and sustainable gastronomy.

scholarly journals Indigenous Community Perspectives of Food Security, Sustainable Food Systems and Strategies to Enhance Access to Local and Traditional Healthy Food for Partnering Williams Treaties First Nations (Ontario, Canada)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4404
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Domingo ◽  
Kerry-Ann Charles ◽  
Michael Jacobs ◽  
Deborah Brooker ◽  
Rhona M. Hanning
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Local Food ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Action Planning ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food

In partnership with communities of the Williams Treaties First Nations in southern Ontario (Canada), we describe an approach to work with communities, and highlight perspectives of food security and sustainability, including priorities and opportunities to revitalize local food systems as a pathway to food security and food sovereignty. The objectives of our project were: (1) to build a shared understanding of food security and sustainability; and (2) to document community priorities, challenges and opportunities to enhance local food access. Utilizing an Indigenous methodology, the conversational method, within the framework of community-based participatory research, formative work undertaken helped to conceptualize food security and sustainability from a community perspective and solidify interests within the four participating communities to inform community-led action planning. Knowledge generated from our project will inform development of initiatives, programs or projects that promote sustainable food systems. The community-based actions identified support a path towards holistic wellbeing and, ultimately, Indigenous peoples’ right to food security and food sovereignty.

scholarly journals In This Issue: Indigenous Wisdom and the Sovereignty to Eat Meat

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Duncan Hilchey
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Social Progress ◽  
State University ◽  
Sustainable Food Systems ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Economic Productivity ◽  
Chief Operating Officer ◽  
Global Mission ◽  
Indigenous Wisdom

First paragraph: This special issue draws attention to the roles and responsibili¬ties of knowledge producers, knowledge keepers, and food systems actors in managing and enhancing access to culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods in Indigenous communities in North America. Our sponsor for this issue is the Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems at Arizona State University. With Executive Director Dr. Kathleen Merrigan (former U.S. Department of Agriculture deputy secretary and chief operating officer), the Swette Center has a global mission to create and disseminate knowledge about food systems that drives economic productivity and social progress.

scholarly journals Unsettling Settler Food Movements: Food Sovereignty and Decolonization in Canada

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoe Matties
Keyword(s):  
Food Systems ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Alternative Food ◽  
Sustainable Food ◽  
Food Movements ◽  
Alternative Food Movements ◽  
Motivation For Change

This article examines the connections between agriculture, alternative food movements, and settler colonialism. In particular I examine how settler agriculture and control of food throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries has been used as a tool of colonization, and how food sovereignty offers a corrective to the imposition of Western, colonial, gendered, and racialized foodways. I also explore Indigenous food sovereignty in North America as a model that honors and reclaims Indigenous foodways and self-determination, and addresses the alarming rates of food insecurity and diet-related health issues among Indigenous populations. Following in the footsteps of feminist and decolonial scholars, I seek to critically analyse the discourses of alternative food movements to discover how alternative food movements can transform the colonial system rather than unconsciously perpetuate it. I argue that as settlers working to create equitable and sustainable food systems we must recognize complicity in colonialism, engage Indigenous perspectives and narratives, and work to support Indigenous communities seeking Indigenous food sovereignty and self-determination. To do so requires creating alliances based on learning about our differences from and with each other, and embracing settler discomfort as a motivation for change.

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