COUPers think international comparative research can help us understand organic food consumption. From left, Melissa Schafer (comparing Munich, FRG & Portland, Oregon); Jeanne Merrill (of the Michael Fields Institute analysed Minnesota & Wisconsin through the lens of Thomas Rochon's social movement theory); Paul Kledal & Lucie Sirieix (of GlobalOrg discussed qualitative research methods for urban places in Denmark, France & Brazil. Additional sites are China, Egypt & perhaps Uganda). Unseen is snapper Bruce Scholten (Seattle & Newcastle upon Tyne).Tuesday 29 May 2007
Comparing Organic Urban Places (COUP) presenters at American Association of Geographers conference San Francisco Hilton, April 17, 2007
COUPers think international comparative research can help us understand organic food consumption. From left, Melissa Schafer (comparing Munich, FRG & Portland, Oregon); Jeanne Merrill (of the Michael Fields Institute analysed Minnesota & Wisconsin through the lens of Thomas Rochon's social movement theory); Paul Kledal & Lucie Sirieix (of GlobalOrg discussed qualitative research methods for urban places in Denmark, France & Brazil. Additional sites are China, Egypt & perhaps Uganda). Unseen is snapper Bruce Scholten (Seattle & Newcastle upon Tyne).
Abstract for COUP held April 17, 2007
AAG San Francisco * ABSTRACT
Comparing Organic Urban Places (COUP):
Learning about periurban food systems around the world
Central questions of human geography can be explored in contemporary turns to organic and local foods. Why do people adapt differently to similar places? Or, similarly in different places? What urban parameters trigger organic consumption? A stereotype persists of the organic consumer as an affluent, educated, white woman. Yet, Hartman (2004) note over 50% of organic purchases in the US are by non-whites. What are the social-economic and regulatory factors that spur organic consumption in cities around the world?
One goal of this session was to explore the methodological dis/advantages of inter-national comparative research (qualitative, quantitative, or ethnographic) on alternative food networks (AFNs). Topics include sustainable urban food systems and actors such as local governments, NGOs, retailers, farmers' markets, and out-of-home (Ausserhausverflegung) consumption of organics in restaurants and institutions. We invite you to explore other factors influencing urban food systems, such as food scares, family farm structural change, and globalization. While the methodology of comparing cities is tricky (inviting the charge of comparing apples and oranges), there is promise in turning this charge on its head: Why can cities as different in cultural tradition and residential patterns as Munich (Germany) and Portland (OR) have such similar organic networks?
Key words: int'l comparative research, methodology, rural-urban organics
Convenors: Bruce Scholten (Durham Geography, UK) & Melissa Schafer.
Thanks for sponsorship, moral support and/or cash to:
* Urban Geography Specialty Group (AAG-UGSG)
* Rural Geography Specialty Group (AAG-RGSG)
* Centre for the Study of Cities and Regions (Durham CSCR)
Comparing Organic Urban Places (COUP):
Learning about periurban food systems around the world
Central questions of human geography can be explored in contemporary turns to organic and local foods. Why do people adapt differently to similar places? Or, similarly in different places? What urban parameters trigger organic consumption? A stereotype persists of the organic consumer as an affluent, educated, white woman. Yet, Hartman (2004) note over 50% of organic purchases in the US are by non-whites. What are the social-economic and regulatory factors that spur organic consumption in cities around the world?
One goal of this session was to explore the methodological dis/advantages of inter-national comparative research (qualitative, quantitative, or ethnographic) on alternative food networks (AFNs). Topics include sustainable urban food systems and actors such as local governments, NGOs, retailers, farmers' markets, and out-of-home (Ausserhausverflegung) consumption of organics in restaurants and institutions. We invite you to explore other factors influencing urban food systems, such as food scares, family farm structural change, and globalization. While the methodology of comparing cities is tricky (inviting the charge of comparing apples and oranges), there is promise in turning this charge on its head: Why can cities as different in cultural tradition and residential patterns as Munich (Germany) and Portland (OR) have such similar organic networks?
Key words: int'l comparative research, methodology, rural-urban organics
Convenors: Bruce Scholten (Durham Geography, UK) & Melissa Schafer.
Thanks for sponsorship, moral support and/or cash to:
* Urban Geography Specialty Group (AAG-UGSG)
* Rural Geography Specialty Group (AAG-RGSG)
* Centre for the Study of Cities and Regions (Durham CSCR)
Sunday 13 May 2007
Slow Food Durham May 9, 2007 at Che Vita. (This photo credit: Dana Bentia, University of Lancaster food researcher)
Thanks to CHE VITA Ristorante Italiano (DH1 1LJ Durham www.chevita.co.uk T: 0191 384 1010), esp. Paulo, Nuno, Maurizio - and Chris who regaled 40 of us with details on food sourcing. Slow Fooders care about local farms & restaurants almost as much as our own stomachs. We enjoyed another experiment in making good food last, networking and nattering about sustainability, quality and had a few laughs.
In mid-table, Jingyi (left) and Martha opposite say, 'Slow down & join us!'
The Slow Food Durham Committee
- Bruce Scholten for Lucy Smout, Sue Shaw, Pat Richardson, Pam Barmby, Angela Colbridge, David Tual & all. Durham info via info@slowfooddurham.org.uk
The Slow Food Durham Committee
- Bruce Scholten for Lucy Smout, Sue Shaw, Pat Richardson, Pam Barmby, Angela Colbridge, David Tual & all. Durham info via info@slowfooddurham.org.uk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
