Analyzing the implications of organic standardization and certification in alternative food networks: the capability approach

de Lima, Felipe Alexandre and Neutzling, Daiane and Stefan, Seuring and Kumar, Vikas and Bossle, Marilia Bonzanini (2023) Analyzing the implications of organic standardization and certification in alternative food networks: the capability approach. Business Ethics, the Environment & Responsibility. ISSN 2694-6424

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Abstract

Although organic standards and certification schemes have a crucial role in ensuring quality, safety, and sustainability within food systems, there is a need to critically analyze their implications on human capabilities within alternative food networks (AFNs). Therefore, this paper draws upon the capability approach to analyze the implications of three governance mechanisms (i.e., third-party, social control, and hybrid certification) on human flourishing within AFNs in Ceará, Brazil. The three cases primarily build on 66 interviews with farmers, consumers, AFN owners and employees, certifying officials, governmental and non-governmental representatives, and researchers. Third-party certification has some positive effects in terms of material, political, and environmental capabilities and many negative effects regarding social/cultural capabilities. Social control certification bolsters material, social/cultural, political, and environmental capabilities for the benefit of farmers and consumers. Hybrid certification increases the material control, political power, social legitimacy, and environmental governance of market intermediaries. The findings can help scholars, practitioners, and policymakers rethink the role of organic standardization and certification in fostering fundamental human capabilities and tackling inequalities within AFNs.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1111/beer.12561
Dates:	Date Event 5 June 2023 Accepted 14 June 2023 Published Online
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Alternative Food Networks, Standards, Certification, Human Capabilities
Subjects:	CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-01 - business and management (non-specific) CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-02 - business studies CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-04 - management studies
Divisions:	Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Accountancy, Finance and Economics Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Business, Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship
Depositing User:	Vikas Kumar
Date Deposited:	07 Jun 2023 11:50
Last Modified:	20 Jun 2024 12:05
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/14437

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