Advancing basic income as a policy tool for food systems sustainability

Kristen Lowitt (), Charles Z. Levkoe, Bryan Dale, Colin Dring, Omamuyovwi Gbejewoh, Alesandros Glaros, Hannah L. Harrison, Christine Knott, Philip A. Loring, Zsofia Mendly-Zambo, Kaitlyn Patterson and Elaine Power
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Kristen Lowitt: Queen’s University
Charles Z. Levkoe: Lakehead University
Bryan Dale: Bishop’s University
Colin Dring: Royal Roads University
Omamuyovwi Gbejewoh: Queen’s University
Alesandros Glaros: University of the Fraser Valley
Hannah L. Harrison: Dalhousie University
Christine Knott: San Diego State University
Philip A. Loring: University of Guelph
Zsofia Mendly-Zambo: York University
Kaitlyn Patterson: Queen’s University
Elaine Power: Queen’s University

Agriculture and Human Values, 2025, vol. 42, issue 2, No 11, 773-785

Abstract: Abstract In the context of climate change, the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, growing food insecurity, and rising inflation, the inequities in the dominant food system and subsequent vulnerabilities are being made ever more visible. Policies and programs that can support social and economic security while responding to intensifying environmental challenges are urgently needed. Basic income is receiving increasing attention as one such policy tool in jurisdictions around the world. However, its applications to food systems are underdeveloped. This discussion paper considers basic income as a policy tool for supporting food systems sustainability in Canada drawing on our collaborative research as part of Coalition Canada’s Case for Basic Income Series. We suggest that a basic income may contribute to addressing precarity in livelihoods and food access while offering potential co-benefits for local food production and community well-being. We also underscore that basic income is not a panacea for all problems facing food systems and must be considered alongside other public supports and initiatives. We conclude by identifying areas for further research and policy investigation for food systems scholars and practitioners.

Keywords: Basic income; Food policy; Food governance; Food systems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10460-024-10654-4

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