Systèmes agroalimentaires localisés: État des recherches et perspectives

Abstract

For about the last ten years, the Localized Agrifood Systems (LAS) concept has spread considerably worldwide. Territory and local food crops are central elements of this approach based on the study of relationships between man, products and territory. It is through the analysis of territorial specificities that LAS can be characterized and their diversity and dynamics understood. These specificities are at the core of the present paper and are analyzed as follows: i) specificities of the people and their institutions; ii) specificities of products and associated qualification processes; and iii) specificities of consumers and food crops. At a scientific level, we conclude that LAS as a research object and a theoretical framework can help develop a territorial agrifood approach aiming at understanding the organization and functioning of various activities "forming a system," whether they are productive, social or cultural. At a practical level, as a framework for action, the LAS concept opens new perspectives for public policies as well as for territorial and regional development projects.