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Developing Sustainable Food Systems in Europe: National Policies and Stakeholder Perspectives in a Four-Country Analysis

Author

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  • Alina Zaharia

    (Department of Agrifood and Environmental Economics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010371 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Maria-Claudia Diaconeasa

    (Department of Agrifood and Environmental Economics, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010371 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Natalia Maehle

    (Mohn Centre for Innovation and Regional Development, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway)

  • Gergely Szolnoki

    (Department of Wine and Beverage Business Research, Geisenheim University, 65366 Geisenheim, Germany)

  • Roberta Capitello

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy)

Abstract

To address climate change, health, and food-related challenges at the international and regional level, policy makers and researchers are starting to acknowledge the importance of building and developing sustainable food systems (SFSs). This study aims to discuss the drivers of, barriers to, and policy recommendations for developing sustainable food systems in four European countries (Germany, Italy, Norway, and Romania). We used critical frame analysis to investigate national policy documents on sustainable food systems and conducted in-depth interviews with various national stakeholders representing policy makers, agrifood businesses, and civil society. The novelty of this research lies in comparing national policy approaches and stakeholders’ opinions on SFS development in a multi-country analysis. These European countries have different conditions in terms of geography, socioeconomic situation, environmental performance, and sustainability orientation. Several cross-cultural differences and gaps in the existing national policies for sustainable food systems were identified, and solutions that help overcome these issues have been suggested. The first step in developing SFS should focus on interdisciplinary and trans-sectorial policy integration combined with increasing stakeholder collaboration across all sectors of the economy. We also recommend more active involvement of consumers in the food system, developing information-sharing networks, and increasing collaborations within the food supply chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Alina Zaharia & Maria-Claudia Diaconeasa & Natalia Maehle & Gergely Szolnoki & Roberta Capitello, 2021. "Developing Sustainable Food Systems in Europe: National Policies and Stakeholder Perspectives in a Four-Country Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-40, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7701-:d:597744
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    2. Geppert, Frauke & Krachunova, Tsvetelina & Bellingrath-Kimura, Sonoko Dorothea, 2024. "Digital and smart technologies in agriculture in Germany: Identification of key recommendations for sustainability actions," Studien zum deutschen Innovationssystem 4-2024, Expertenkommission Forschung und Innovation (EFI) - Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation, Berlin.
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