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)