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Cooperative Approaches to Sustainable Food

‘Sustainable food systems deliver food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generations are not compromised.’
United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation

Sustainable food is high on the agenda of international bodies, national and local government, charities, housing associations, private businesses and a host of other organisations. Yet, despite this interest, many approaches to creating a sustainable food system are often argued to be disjointed, fragmented and poorly implemented. Recently, there have been calls for more co-production and a move away from traditional ‘top-down’ models with pursuing the concept. Recent research suggests that adopting a cooperative approach to sustainable food can lead to a more ‘just’ system, maximising social value and the sustainability of schemes.

This project critically explored innovative practice around cooperative approaches to sustainable food. Through using the Sustainable Food Places (SFP) framework, and the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) principles, we have devised a series of case studies to enable members to learn from good practice. The case studies provide examples of schemes which maximise social value, demonstrate new ways of engaging local stakeholders, display novelty in relation to co- production, showcase economic creativity and other forms of innovation. The case studies are models to be replicated, with a critical analysis undertaken to allow members to understand the barriers to projects, potential elsewhere and long-term impact in their areas. The report draws on interviews, Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis and other tools to provide an in-depth review of the case studies.

We reveal how pioneers, from Greenwich to Middlesbrough, have transformed local food systems through adopting a cooperative approach, using tools such as charters to bring together key stakeholders around the idea. The GIS analysis shows the wider impact of schemes, addressing environmental quality, health and other issues in communities. However, we also highlight the precarious nature of schemes, with many overly reliant on grant funding and small teams, resulting in impacts dwindling in a few over time. Our findings also highlight the international cooperative movement around sustainable food, through interviews with global pioneers; providing information on potential lessons to be learned on a wider scale.

This report concludes by reflecting on the current CCIN membership base and highlighting practices around sustainable food. Our analysis focuses on those with SFP awards, which recognise excellence in pursuing the sustainable food agenda. We highlight how there is a wealth of good practice amongst CCIN members, yet only

5 hold SFP awards. Amongst our recommendations, we call for more engagement with SFP, either as an awardee or member, as recognition could lead to more funding and enhance existing practices.

Our overarching recommendations also focus on the need for more tools to support cooperative approaches to sustainable food; we particularly emphasise the need for charters, as research shows that these are powerful enablers which can bring together stakeholders in an equitable manner. Alongside the careful replication of case studies, we call for more engagement with the international scene, particularly in North America which features an array of novel models around the subject, such as in Portland (Oregon, USA), Toronto (Canada) and other areas.

Ultimately, the report emphasises the need to embrace the cooperative principles in relation to enabling a sustainable food system and highlights a series of pioneering case studies in the UK.

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