Sustainable food supply : the case of the Roslagslådan network

Abstract: The large-scale, 'conventional', agro-industry food system has come under attack from supporters of the concept of Sustainable Development. Critics of 'conventional' food supply systems claim that the use of high-volume, intensified production processes and global markets, transport and distribution channels lead to economic and social marginalisation and degrade natural environments – conditions that are unsustainable in the long term. There has been much recent academic literature discussing the growth of Alternative Food Supply (AFS) as a sustainable solution to the food supply chain concerns raised about 'conventional' agriculture. However, the academic world remains largely in conflict over just how such claims manifest in reality. With reference to these theoretical claims, this project aims to explore the extent to which an AFS system contributes to Sustainable Development at the firm level, with respect to economic, social and environmental sustainability parameters. This project draws on qualitative data from case research of a small-scale, local, organic vegetable delivery box network in Sweden. Based on set criteria, the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the system is analysed, with a focus on the economic. Main results show that at the firm level the studied AFS network creates a sustainable flow of income for suppliers by creating greater market access temporally and geographically. Structural weaknesses in the network, however, threaten its perpetuation if external or internal conditions would change. Higher-level industry and political conditions also threaten the sustainability of the studied AFS network. The paper also highlights key strengths and weaknesses of attempting to holistically analyse sustainability, and wider industry implications for policy makers and, indirectly, consumers.