Fourteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

In June 2023, the canton of Geneva made history by becoming the first in Switzerland to enshrine the right to food in its constitution. This significant milestone, however, initiates a multifaceted implementation process marked by diverging perspectives and lingering tensions among stakeholders involved in the food transition movement. Despite the collective mobilization that led to this achievement, challenges have surfaced, particularly in the execution of pilot projects such as solidarity food banks, which strive to reconcile ecological and social justice objectives. This contribution delves into these tensions and obstacles through a nuanced lens, focusing on the potential gap between the objective of relocalizing food systems, championed by agricultural stakeholders, and the accessibility—financial, practical, and cultural—of locally-produced food for marginalized communities, notably migrants, as advocated by social actors. Drawing upon empirical data from a participatory, interdisciplinary action-research project, we will explore how migrant trajectories navigate between the desire to integrate into the host country’s terroir and maintaining a connection with the culinary heritage—be it cultural or organic—of their place of origin. Beyond mere accessibility, our analysis will pivot towards the concept of hospitality within local terroirs, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of inclusion and exclusion within food systems. By interrogating the intersection of migration, food transition, and notions of terroir hospitality, this study aims to offer insights crucial for fostering more equitable and inclusive food landscapes.