Download full text
(external source)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.17645/pag.v7i4.2082
Exports for your reference manager
Conflicts over GMOs and their contribution to food democracy
[journal article]
Abstract The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) embodies a specific vision of agricultural systems that is highly controversial. The article focuses on how conflicts over GMOs contribute towards food democracy. Food democracy is defined as the possibility for all social groups to participate in, ne... view more
The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) embodies a specific vision of agricultural systems that is highly controversial. The article focuses on how conflicts over GMOs contribute towards food democracy. Food democracy is defined as the possibility for all social groups to participate in, negotiate and struggle over how societies organize agricultural production, thereby ensuring that food systems fulfil the needs of people and sustain (re)productive nature into the future. EU agricultural policy envisages the coexistence of agricultural and food systems with and without GMOs. This policy, which on the surface appears to be a means of avoiding conflict, has in fact exacerbated conflict, while creating obstacles to the development of food democracy. By contrast, empirical analysis of movements against GMOs in Germany and Poland shows how they create pathways towards participation in the food system and the creation of alternative agricultural futures, thereby contributing to a democratization of food systems and thus of society–nature relations. Today, as products of new breeding techniques such as genome editing are being released, these movements are gaining new relevance.... view less
Keywords
agriculture; conflict; nutrition; democracy; genetics; ecology; social movement; new technology; society; nature
Classification
Rural Sociology
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
genetically modified organisms; new breeding techniques; social ecology; society-nature relations
Document language
English
Publication Year
2019
Page/Pages
p. 165-177
Journal
Politics and Governance, 7 (2019) 4
Issue topic
New perspectives on food democracy
ISSN
2183-2463
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed