Understanding the Sustainability Tripod in the Context of Local Markets

Abstract

The agri-food model crisis opens space for discussion regarding food in search of more sustainable ways of production and consumption. The local markets can help advance in this direction. Thus, the present article aims to analyze aspects of environmental, social, and economic sustainability in the practices of food product exhibitors in local markets in Canada and Brazil. Qualitative research was carried out at local markets, at Concordia Farmers Market, in the city of Montreal, Canada, and at Mercado de Produção da Agricultura Familiar, in the city of Júlio de Castilhos, Brazil. Data were collected by means of interviews and participant observation and analyzed using content analysis. The results identified aspects related to environmental sustainability (organic and artisanal foods without chemicals and waste reduction), social (local markets generate an opportunity to strengthen relationships between producers and customers, bonds and exchange of information), and economic (appreciation of local products by the development of the region’s economy).