Introduction - Transition Pathways towards Sustainability in Agriculture: Case Studies from Europe - page 1

Chapter 1

Introduction

L-A. Sutherland 1 , G.A. Wilson 2 , L. Zagata 3

1 James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen ([e-mail]); 2 Plymouth
University; 3 Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague

What this topic is about

Over the past decade the transition towards sustainable agriculture has been a central theme
in the work of governments, NGOs and research institutions. Multiple publications,
including the European Commission White Paper on Adapting to Climate Change (2009)
and various academic publications (e.g. Wilson, 2007; Brouwer and van der Heide, 2009) ,
identify the importance of increasing sustainability of agriculture in order to meet future
challenges. However, despite the adoption of the notion of sustainable development of
agriculture as a basic EC policy principle (see Council Regulation (EC) No1257/1999), it is
becoming clear that changes are needed to ensure that agriculture in the EU can meet the
increasing range of public goods and functions desired by citizens. For example:

 Natural resource use (land, water) is increasingly contested by non-agricultural uses

(e.g. fibre and energy) (EEA, 2006a, 2006b, 2006c). Farming itself is highly
dependent on non-renewable energy resources (Heinberg and Bomford, 2009).

 Decreasing support for farm production and encouragement of commercial

competitiveness coincide with increased national and EU public regulatory
intervention in farming (Robinson, 2008).

 Production and marketing chains are becoming more concentrated, both upstream

(input provision) and downstream (e.g. output distribution, high level of
concentration in the food retail market) (Campbell, 2005; Potter and Tilzey, 2005,
2007). At the same time, there is a growing range of 'alternative' products,
production and retail options, challenging these globalizing tendencies (van der
Ploeg, 2007).

 Consumers and citizens are demanding higher standards of food safety and quality

control. Concerns exist surrounding the nutritional value of highly processed food
and the social and ecological impacts of purchasing decisions (e.g. Fair Trade, food
miles) (Lang and Heasman, 2004).

 A sharp rise in food prices from 2007 to 2008 is challenging two decades of 'non-

productivist compromise' in agricultural policy in Europe, with food security re-
entering the political agenda (Wilson, 2007; Marsden, 2013).