ISBN
978-1529231502Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529231465Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529231472Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressISBN
978-1529231472Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
Transforming Agriculture and Foodways
A wave of innovation driven by the convergence of digital and molecular technologies is transforming food production and ways of eating in the US, Western Europe and Australasia. This book explores a range of contemporary agri-food issues, such as the digitalisation of farm production, aka Precision Agriculture, farmer independence, gene editing, alternative proteins and the rise of app-based home food deliveries.
This is the first book to provide a systemic analysis of technological innovation and its socio-economic consequences in modern food systems, including the ‘hollowing out’ of rural communities and pronounced industrial concentration. The food system is under growing public pressure to respond to global climate change, but this book finds little evidence of transition to sustainable low-carbon trajectories.
"A must-read! Identifies which actors are driving the converging trajectories of new food system technologies, and how these trends are reinforcing numerous negative impacts on society and ecosystems." Philip H. Howard, Michigan State University
“This book is a timely and important intervention. Focusing on the convergence of genetic and digital codes, it is an essential read for anyone interested in our changing food systems.” Lewis Holloway, University of Hull
“I am so pleased to see this book. It builds on now classic concepts, like appropriationism and substitutionism. The result makes for a fascinating read, giving support to the adage that the more things change the more they stay the same.” Michael Carolan, Colorado State University
David Goodman is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz. He is co-editor of the Food and Society book series.
1. Technological Convergence and Change in Modern Food Systems
2. Precision Agriculture: Big Data Analytics, Farm Support Platforms and Concentration in the AgTech Space
3. Precision Agriculture: Adoption, ‘Re-scripting’, Farmer Identity, Path Dependence and ‘Appropriationism 4.0’
4. Alternative Proteins: Bio-mimicry, Structuring the New Protein Industry. ‘Promissory Narratives’. and ‘Substitutionism 4.0’
5. The failed Promises of the Seed-Chemical Complex, CRISPR and Gene Editing, and Regulatory Capture
6. Between Physical Space and Digital Space: Changing Patterns of Food Provisioning, COVID-19 and Platform Capitalism
7. Conclusion and Postscript: Continuities in Change and Lost Opportunities
