Local Challenges and Successes Associated with Transitioning to Sustainable Food System Practices for a West Australian Context: Multi-Sector Stakeholder Perceptions

Ros Sambell, Lesley Andrew, Stephanie Godrich, Justin Wolfgang, Dieter Vandenbroeck, Katie Stubley, Nick Rose, Lenore Newman, Pierre Horwitz and Amanda Devine
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Ros Sambell: School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia
Lesley Andrew: School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia
Stephanie Godrich: School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia
Justin Wolfgang: Perth Natural Resource Management, Perth 6104, Australia
Dieter Vandenbroeck: Commonland, 103 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Katie Stubley: Centre for Social Impact, University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
Nick Rose: Faculty of Higher Education, William Angliss Institute, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Lenore Newman: Geography and Environment, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8, Canada
Pierre Horwitz: Centre for Ecosystem Management, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia
Amanda Devine: School of Medical and Health Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup 6027, Australia

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-16

Abstract: Large-scale food system practices have diminished soil and water quality and negatively impacted climate change. Yet, numerous opportunities exist to harness food system practices that will ensure better outcomes for human health and ecosystems. The objective of this study was to consider food Production, Processing, Access and Consumption domains, and for each determine the challenges and successes associated with progressing towards a sustainable food system. A workshop engaging 122 participants including producers, consultants, consumers, educators, funders, scientists, media, government and industry representatives, was conducted in Perth, Western Australia. A thematic analysis of statements (Successes ( n = 170) or Challenges ( n = 360)) captured, revealed issues of scale, knowledge and education, economics, consumerism, big food, environmental/sustainability, communication, policies and legislation, and technology and innovations. Policy recommendations included greater investment into research in sustainable agriculture (particularly the evidentiary basis for regenerative agriculture), land preservation, and supporting farmers to overcome high infrastructure costs and absorb labour costs. Policy, practice and research recommendations included focusing on an integrated food systems approach with multiple goals, food system actors working collaboratively to reduce challenges and undertaking more research to further the regenerative agriculture evidence.

Keywords: food system; food security; sustainable agriculture; regenerative agriculture; food system actors; challenges; successes; food supply (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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