Transformation of food governance models: perspectives arisen from a food citizenship

Abstract

Prominent amongst the factors which in recent decades have brought about profound changes in our food systems is the deregulation of food markets. This, in turn, exists within a context of the growing integration of economies and societies at a world level. Often cited in defence of globalisation is its positive impact upon productivity and global economic growth, but we cannot continue to ignore its negative effects. In the hope of transcending the negative aspects of this transformation and consolidating all that has been achieved in a positive sense, the context of this investigation is the way in which we should focus the future governance of food in the European Union; particularly, how to direct the participation of public authorities in the food fact. It has already been said that current food systems lack the necessary tools of governance with which to confront the challenges posed by nutritional health, sustainability, the economic development of populations or the protection of the cultural wealth associated with the food fact. What are its shortcomings? In which way should we transform them? This work analyses some of the proposals for modification of governance presently under consideration. Thus, amongst them, those which seek to guarantee food security, the right to a self-determined food system, and the emerging idea of a food citizenship.