A comparative analysis of three agri-food alternative networks in Mexico and Canada

Abstract

This article examines the case of three alternative agri-food networks which are considered alternative mechanisms of purchase and sale of agri-food products, namely the Organic Tianguis of Chapingo in the State of Mexico in Mexico; the grassroots organization Zacahuitzco, in Mexico City, and the farmers markets of the metropolitan area of Vancouver, Canada. The main objective of this study is to recognize, from the perspective of the Conventions theory and the Alternative Rationalities approach, the parallelism, as well as and the differences of this networks in their own unique contexts, in order to deepen conceptualization and theorization on the issue of constructing alternatives in the contemporary agri-food field. The main findings of this research are contradictory: some progresses related to the reconstruction of alternative relationships between small producers and consumers were identified. However, the commercial aspects of the exchange process have become more and more significant, undermining the core values that motivated the emergence of these networks in the first place.