Are Local food Chains More Sustainable than Global Food Chains? Considerations for Assessment

This paper summarizes the main findings of the GLAMUR project which starts with an apparently simple question: is local€ more sustainable than global€? Sustainability assessment is framed within a post-normal science perspective, advocating the integration of public deliberation and scientific research. The assessment spans 39 local, intermediate and global supply chain case studies across different commodities and countries. Assessment criteria cover environmental, economic, social, health and ethical sustainability dimensions. A closer view of the food system demonstrates a highly dynamic local€“global continuum where actors, while adapting to a changing environment, establish multiple relations and animate several chain configurations.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Type of ALiSEA product None
Title Are Local food Chains More Sustainable than Global Food Chains? Considerations for Assessment
Description This paper summarizes the main findings of the GLAMUR project which starts with an apparently simple question: is local€ more sustainable than global€? Sustainability assessment is framed within a post-normal science perspective, advocating the integration of public deliberation and scientific research. The assessment spans 39 local, intermediate and global supply chain case studies across different commodities and countries. Assessment criteria cover environmental, economic, social, health and ethical sustainability dimensions. A closer view of the food system demonstrates a highly dynamic local€“global continuum where actors, while adapting to a changing environment, establish multiple relations and animate several chain configurations.
Agroecology Category
  • Integrated systems
  • Input reduction and recycling
  • Economy and income
  • Nutrition and diets
  • Sustainable food system
  • Biodiversity
  • Water management
  • Collaboration
  • Supportive policies
  • Knowledge and values
Agroecology Keyword
    Contributing organisations
    Author Gianluca Brunori, Francesca Galli, Dominique Barjolle, Rudolf van Broekhuizen, Luca Colombo, Mario Giampietro, James Kirwan, Tim Lang, Erik Mathijs, Damian Maye, Kees de Roest, Carin Rougoor, Jana Schwarz, Emilia Schmitt, Julie Smith, Zaklina Stojanovic, Talis Tisenkopfs and Jean-Marc Touzard
    Year 2016
    Type of document Research Article
    Language English
    Spatial Information
    Country Global
    Administrative Level 1
    Administrative Level 2
    Web Link