Food supply systems are a key point to achieve sustainable development: there is a need for more sustainable, efficient and higher quality food production. As an alternative to the mainstream food systems (MFS), local food systems (LFS) emerged (Schönhart et al., 2009). They aim to be economically viable for farmers and consumers, use ecologically sound production and distribution practises, and enhance social equity and democracy for all members of the community (Tregear, 2011).
A priori, a switch to LFS seems more sustainable and an increase in product quality. However, LFS are not inherently better per se (“the local trap”, Born and Purcell, 2006), but they find themselves in a spectrum, and their effects are still discussed (Enthoven and Van den Broek, 2021). On the environmental aspect, LFS are expected to reduce emissions of transport, but this is not usually met. On the economic aspect, they are less effective, and their prices can be higher. Finally, on the social aspect, they are expected to improve the relationship between consumer and producer, as well as raise awareness about healthiness and sustainability of food (Schönhart et al., 2009).
LFS face several challenges. First, difficulties on infrastructure, logistics and distribution of products; second, the need of education and awareness raising of consumers; and third, the competition against larger and more stablished supply chains (MFS).
Born, B., & Purcell, M. (2006). Avoiding the Local Trap: Scale and Food Systems in Planning Research. Journal of Planning Education and Research, 26(2), 195-207. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X06291389
Enthoven, L., & Van den Broeck, G. (2021). Local food systems: Reviewing two decades of research. Agricultural Systems, 193, 103226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103226.
Schönhart, M., Penker, M., Schmid, E. (2009). Sustainable Local Food Production and Consumption: Challenges for Implementation and Research. Outlook on Agriculture, 38(2), 175-182. https://doi.org/10.5367/000000009788632313
Tregear, A. (2011). Progressing knowledge in alternative and local food networks: Critical reflections and a research agenda. Journal of Rural Studies, 27, 419-430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2011.06.003.
I agree that the topic is well introduced and covered with relevant literature, whose citation is also coherent in style. Yet, I would appreciate a clearer structure of the argument made — (i) are you open-minded comparing the advantages and disadvantages of LFS and MFS, or (ii) are you hypothesizing that LFS are ” … a key point to achieve sustainable development”? In my view, the presentation right now jumps between these two structures. It would be good to decide on one and then structure the entire poster like that. Either is fine with me. On another note, the intro statement “Food supply systems are a key point to achieve sustainable development” needs a little more context or a citation.
This is already a nuanced and well-referenced introduction to the topic. I think this topic is suitable and pertinent for a poster. Please go ahead, and further explain for your poster, what “food supply systems” are, and what the major differences between “local” and “mainstream” are. Please also contextualise your topic with the overall topic of “Researching and shaping climate futures”.