Research project CP/59 (Research action CP)
Context
Producers and consumers can play an important role in sustainable development through local food systems (LFS). A more close contact between the different actors can support the local economy, shows respect for the environment and stimulates social dynamics.
LFS are studied all around Europe. Gradually, insights emerge on their intrinsic potential and the support that needs to be developed and strengthened.
Project description
The aim of this project is to investigate how LFS can enhance sustainable patterns of production and consumption in Flanders. LFS are systems where consumers prefer to buy their food locally, both for social and environmental reasons. In those systems, food is often, but not necessarily, traded with direct contact between producer and consumer. Institutions, both governmental and non-governmental, are often necessary to support the development and the sustainability of those LFS.
Objectives
1. To make an inventory of indicators and instruments used to increase citizens’ awareness of the environmental and social impact of different food systems,
2. To develop a scientifically sound set of indicators for Flanders after analyzing their validity and to introduce these indicators as instruments to be used by institutions dealing with these issues,
3. To make an inventory of existing local food systems in Flanders and of the institutions that facilitate their establishment and working,
4. To investigate the potential to expand local food systems by both institutions already active in this field and other institutions and to facilitate the implementation of this potential,
5. To synthesize and disseminate these results by the establishment of a website, the publication of a book and other material targeted at a wide audience and the production of scientific publications.
Methodology
1. Inventory of indicators and instruments characterizing local food systems
A list of indicators and instruments (such as the ecological footprint, food miles, life cycle analysis, etc.) is compiled from a wide range of sources: literature, NGOs, websites, etc. In addition, a short literature study on the background and methodology of these instruments will be made.
2. Measuring the impact of local food systems
To measure the socio-economic impact of local food systems, we investigate two effects: the impact on employment and the multiplier effect of local food systems. As indicators for the environmental impact of food systems, we opt for the life cycle energy use and greenhouse gas emission.
3. Inventory of local food systems
The inventory will be based on the criteria of socio-economic, environmental and institutional performance. The different existing local food systems will be described and classified in function of these criteria. Possible learning points will be an important part of the inventory.
4. Investigation of the institutional potential to develop local food systems
The methodology of this task is based on intervention research. Based on the results of the inventory and more concretely the learning points of the different local food systems, the potential to expand local food systems and to increase their socio-economic and environmental sustainability will be investigated.
5. Synthesis and dissemination
The different results and deliverables of the project will be published on a user friendly website..
Interaction between the different partners
• The indicators and instruments to characterise LFS are selected jointly by K.U.Leuven and Vredeseilanden.
• The indicators to measure the impact of LFS are developed by K.U.Leuven.
• The inventory of LFS is compiled by Vredeseilanden.
• K.U.Leuven and Vredeseilanden work together to investigate the potential to develop LFS.
Expected results and/or products
• Inventory of indicators and instruments concerning LFS;
• a report describing how the inventory was compiled;
• a handbook for LFS to analyse and plan how to expand their potential,
• a publication on the role of intermediary institutions in the development of LFS;
• policy recommendations concerning the development of LFS;
• a website;
• a book targeted at a wide audience.
Partners
Activities
Since 1993, Vredeseilanden is also working in Flanders on programs of sustainable agriculture. Aside from the projects in the South, the organisation also wants to contribute to similar projects in our own society, for instance by implementing and guiding short supply chains between farmers and consumers.
The Centre for Agricultural and Environmental Economics focuses on corporate responsibility in agriculture by developing a set of workable indicators for agriculture to assess the three pillars of sustainability, and by developing instruments that try to synthesize the different aspects of sustainability, mainly for benchmarking.
Contact Information
www.lokaalvoedsel.be
Co-ordinator
Erik Mathijs
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KULeuven)
Departement Agrotechniek en -economie - Centrum voor landbouw- en milieueconomie
Willem de Croylaan 42
B-3001 Heverlee
Tel: +32 (0)16 32 14 50
Fax: +32 (0)16 32 19 96
erik.mathijs@agr.kuleuven.ac.be
http://www.agr.kuleuven.ac.be/aee/clo/clohomen.htm
Partner
Gert Engelen
Vredeseilanden-Coopibo vzw
Blijde Inkomststraat 50
B-3000 Leuven
Tel: +32 (0)16 31 65 80
Fax: +32 (0)16 31 65 81
gert.engelen@vredeseilanden.be
http://www.vredeseilanden.be
Users committee
Patrick de Ceuster, Wervel vzw
Lieven Vandeputte, Innovatiesteunpunt voor Landbouw en Platteland
Ingrid Vanhaevre, OIVO
Joost Dessein, Stedula
Kristien Soete, VLAM
Bart Bollen, ALT, afdeling duurzame landbouw
Geert Gommers, Velt vzw
Pierre Stassart, Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise
Guido Van Huylenbroeck, Universiteit Gent
Instruments and institutions to develop local food systems : final report
Mathijs, Erik - Van Hauwermeiren, Annelies - Engelen, Gert ... et al Brussels : Belgian Science Policy, 2006 (SP1629)
[To download]
[To order]
Outils et institutions pour le développement de systèmes alimentaires locaux : résumé
Bruxelles : Politique scientifique fédérale, 2007 (SP1713)
[To download]
Instrumenten en instellingen om lokale voedselsystemen te ontwikkelen : samenvatting
Brussel : Federaal Wetenschapsbeleid, 2007 (SP1714)
[To download]
Instruments and institutions to develop local food systems : summary
Brussels : Belgian Science Policy, 2007 (SP1715)
[To download]
