Abstract
This research is concerned with how policies either help or hinder food producers who are working with diverse grain varieties in their efforts to develop, grow, process and sell diversity. The objective was to identify policy intervention points along the value chain for re-introducing agrobiodiversity in the field and on the plate. As agrobiodiversity continues to decline while industrial farming systems prioritize high-input, high-yielding monocultures, there is a growing call in the fields of ecology and nutrition to increase diversity within food systems. This work contributes to these discussions by exploring the policies needed to facilitate producers in undertaking this work. A single case study was analysed – the introduction of diverse grain varieties in England and their transformation into food in the form of flour and bread – to map where polices intersect with the value chain. Multi-round interviews and interactive policy mapping were used to identify how policies impact producers’ ability to run a viable business while introducing varietal diversity onto farms and to consumers. Five policy points of intervention were identified across the value chain for facilitating producers in agrobio-diversification – (1) seed registration and certification (2) land tenancy and ownership, (3) grants for farm and processing machinery, (4) education and apprenticeships and (5) urban planning policy. These findings show that commonly proposed policy solutions like payments for environmental services will not be sufficient to facilitate diversification, but that action will need to be taken at multiple points in the system.
Presenters
Stephanie WaltonResearcher, Centre for Food Policy, City, University of London, Islington, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Food Production and Sustainability
KEYWORDS
Agrobiodiversity, Food Policy, Food Systems, Genetic Diversity, Population Grains
