Agri-food systems: state of research and perspectives

Abstract

The "Agro-Food Systems Locations" concept has received international recognition during the last decade. Central to this view is a reference to land and local food-eating habits. It is based on the study of the relationship of man, product and territory (land). The analysis of specificity of land features will allow us to characterize Agro-Food Systems Locations. In the process, it will help us understand its diversity and dynamics. This article is about those specificities: i) specificity of men and institutions; ii) specificity of products and qualifying processes; iii) specificity of consumers and food-eating habits. At the scientific level, the AgroFood Systems Locations concept, as a subject of investigation, and as a theoretical base, could contribute to an agro-food study and could help understand social and cultural activities of social organizations within a given system. At the operational level, the. Agro-Food Systems Locations concept opens a new perspective for public policy, and projects associated to territorial and regional development.