Essential principles of sustainable food value chains

Abstract

First paragraph: Values-based food chains include alliances of various types among farmers, processors, distributors, and other participants in food production and distribution. "Food value chains" are distinguished from conventional "food supply chains" in that relationships among participants are not solely, or even primarily, economic. Ironically, the formation of value chains is typically motivated by a quest for greater economic efficiency in the production and distribution of sustainably produced foods. However, economic efficiency cannot be allowed to take priority over the essential ecological, social, and economic principles of sustainability....