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The Nexus of Food Systems, Governance and Resilience on the Edge: A Case Study of the Sunshine Coast
Conference presentation

The Nexus of Food Systems, Governance and Resilience on the Edge: A Case Study of the Sunshine Coast

Christine Slade
USC Research Conference, 2013 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 01-Jul-2013–05-Jul-2013)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2013
url
https://www.usc.edu.au/View
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Abstract

Human Geography food systems
The Sunshine Coast is a fast growing peri-urban region to the north of Brisbane. Known in the past for its agricultural production, particularly sugar cane and pineapples, the Sunshine Coast is now a patchwork of competing urban and rural land uses. Food systems in this space need to adjust to constant change. The aim of this paper is two-fold: firstly, to draw from recent food study research completed in this locale, contextualised within wider food system literature, in order to understand the current enablers and limiters of such local food systems; and secondly, to evaluate the impact of food governance and policy (or lack thereof) on the sustainability of these systems. Primary document and secondary data analysis examines research from varying stakeholder groups, including government, industry and the community. Thematic analysis of the findings uses a framework by Sonnino & Marsden (2006)* that evaluates a food system from the producer, consumer, processing and retailing, institutional and associational perspectives. Findings suggest that producers are looking for regional branding and improved Consumers are concerned about traceability and see benefits in improved local distribution. Concern about corporate control in processing and retailing adds attraction to diversity of local valuing adding and shorter distribution chains. Institutionally, current food-related policies do not support the needs of small and medium producers in peri-urban areas. Consistent and integrated food policy through simplification of regulatory systems and an unbundling of bureaucratic layers would enable diversity of scale. This paper supports capacity-building and resilience through shorter food chains that strengthen local economies and contribute to healthy and socially sustainable communities. * Sonnino, R, & Marsden, T 2006, 'Beyond the divide: Rethinking relationships between alternative and conventional food networks in Europe', Journal of Economic Geography, vol. 6, pp.181-199, viewed 30 March 2013, Oxford Journals.

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