1. Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh Local Foods Research Project exploring localism in alternative food networks Postgraduate Conference 17-19 March 2008 Supervisors: Dr Paul Bennett, Prof Jane Jacobs, Dr Andrea Nightingale

2. Eating Locally, Eating Well… Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh © Google Maps 2008 F I F E

3. Introduction Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh Alternative Food Network Food production-consumption networks defined in opposition to conventional agri-industrial food systems Localism Reflects the strong emphasis on localization as a strategy in alternative food networks Localism implies reconnection of producers and consumers Localism often takes a normative form: ‘local = good’ How is ‘the local’ constructed as a space of opposition and empowerment in alternative food networks? The next fifteen minutes…  Background and context  Research design  Methodological approach  Progress to date

4. Research Context Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh Enactment of alternative food network localism Politics of Scale Construction Power Diverse Understanding of Economy Neoliberalism

5. Theoretical Context 1 Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh Neoliberalism Individualist & entrepreneurial Emphasises private property rights, free markets, free trade Neoliberalism as a powerful discourse, which can shape individuals’ behaviour Academics suggest alternative food networks can reproduce neoliberal forms (Guthman, 2007; Harrison, 2007) Politics of Scale Construction 1. Scale is socially constructed 2. Scale construction is political Academics studying alternative food networks are cautious of claims about ‘the local’ Suggestion that this localism might be “unreflexive” or “defensive” (DuPuis & Goodman, 2005; Hinrichs, 2003; Winter, 2003)

6. Theoretical Context 2 Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh Power Power: central to understanding of scalar politics and powerful discourses John Allen: attention to modalities of power and to spatial operation Centred dominant power of conventional food systems?? ‘Local’ as space of resistance/empowerment?? (Allen, 2003) Diverse Understanding of Economy Gibson-Graham: ‘economy’ has acquired singular meaning – only capitalist economy counts To recognise/enable alternatives, we must ‘read for difference, not dominance’ Approach which ‘reads for difference’ will be able to see ‘politics of possibility’ (Gibson-Graham, 1996; 2006)

7. Research Design Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh How is ‘the local’ constructed as a space of opposition and empowerment in alternative food networks? How is ‘the local’ constructed? How is ‘the local’ performed? How is power re-configured in this alternative local space? ‘Local’: constructed & political Politics of scale as performed Perceived opposition and/or empowerment are enacted Aims to test scepticism of academic critiques Aims for constructive critique How do the research questions guide the design?

8. Methodology Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh What is discourse? “not just a set of written texts. A discourse encompasses texts, speeches, dialogues, ways of thinking and actions; bodily practices, habits, gestures, etc. “not just a series of things that are said and done regarding a pre-existing thing – gender, say. A discourse of gender is not ‘about’ gender: instead it creates gender, makes it really, actually exist as a consequential and meaningful set of beliefs, attitudes and everyday practices and performances.” (Wylie, 2006) Discursive actions have political and ethical meaning Discursive actions can be represented in different ways Representations have political and ethical meaning Alternative food network practices are political acts, which can be represented in different ways, both by activists and by academics. Discursive representations of food politics affect the success of these alternative practices

9. Case Study: the Fife Diet Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh The Fife Diet asks people to sign-up for eating fresh food from Fife, for a year, monitor their progress and share their experience Bring people together who want to eat good local food Boost the local community of food producers Help each other re-learn how to eat seasonally Celebrate the diversity of local food against the ecological insanity of transporting food around the world (http://fifediet.wordpress.com)

10. Research Methods Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh 1: Group Discussion Focusing on construction and performance of the Fife Diet. Using visual participatory tools, including mapping, diagramming in addition to discussion. 2: Individual Interviews Aim to produce narratives of personal involvement with Fife Diet. Content based on development of group discussion phase; elaborating on the political changes made possible through involvement with the Fife Diet group. 8 – 16 participants (dependent on recruitment success) Interviews with at least 8 participants Potential difficulties: Recruitment success Negotiating timing of group discussion(s)

11. Progress to Date and Next Steps Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh Progress so far: Literature Review Paper exploring concept of sustainability Discussion paper for submission to Area Research project website & blog http://localfoods.wordpress.com March 2008 Initial contact with participants Negotiate research schedule April – May 2008 Research meetings (group, then individual discussions) June – August 2008 Transcribe research recordings Analysis of research information Write research report (for 29 Aug) Feedback results to participants

12. Summary Ed Harris, MSc by Research in Human Geography Institute of Geography, University of Edinburgh © Google Maps 2008 F I F E How is ‘the local’ constructed as a space of opposition and empowerment in alternative food networks?