'Justice Multiple' and Historical Justice in Food Systems

To contribute to the global response to climate change, the UK Government has made a legal commitment to achieve ‘net-zero’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 (DEFRA, 2019). The UK food system accounts for 35% of the country’s total territorial emissions (WRAP, 2021), thus, to support its net-zero ambitions, the UK has set a goal of reducing the total food and drink consumption footprint by 50% by 2030 (WRAP, 2021). Achieving this target and fostering a lower-emission food system will require substantial structural transformation in how food is produced, consumed, and understood (Whitfield et al., 2021).

Analysing justice concepts is essential for addressing the challenges of the UK food system and its necessary transformation as socioecological justice can enhance political dynamics within food justice (Coulson and Milbourne, 2020). Given the socio-economic complexities of the UK food system, researchers advocate for frameworks that incorporate multiple justice concepts (Whitfield et al., 2021; Coulson and Milbourne, 2020). Furthermore, discussions around transformation often overlook critical social differentiations and power dynamics, leading to exclusionary practices with unfair outcomes (Whitfield et al., 2021). Therefore, an ethical approach that prioritises justice in the UK food systems is crucial.

Figure 1: A conceptual framework for applying justice lenses to the study of food system transformation. - Justice Framework.png

One prominent framework for analysing justice implications in food system transformation is Whitfield et al.’s (2019) conceptual framework. This framework emphasises the necessity of analysing multiple justice concepts when addressing concerns within food systems.

Historical justice involves understanding how the history of ideas and practices affects justice today and, if left unaddressed, risks being reproduced and exacerbated in the future (Whitfield et al., 2019; Coulson and Milbourne, 2020). Historical justice signifies the importance of recognising existing inequalities in food systems and ensuring they do not replicate in future trajectories (Whitfield et al., 2019). Organisations such as the African Alliance for Food Sovereignty have raised concerns about the persistence of colonial legacies in corporate influence at the UN Food Systems Summit (Whitfield et al., 2019). This underscores the necessity of examining entrenched historical inequalities and actively working to eliminate them.

In addition to historical justice, Whitfield et al.’s (2019) framework highlights representational justice. This concept ensures that all relevant voices, particularly marginalised groups, are included in decision-making processes, especially on issues directly affecting them (Coulson and Milbourne, 2019). The failure to include these perspectives has led to research priorities that overlook the needs of these groups, thereby perpetuating historical injustices. Dominant narratives in food systems research, often shaped by neoliberal, white, middle-class perspectives, tend to prioritise issues of ‘localisation’ and ‘health’ (Coulson and Milbourne, 2020; Allen, 2010). While these focuses are important, they risk reinforcing social privilege and overlooking structural causes of food injustice. Allen (2010) critiques the emphasis on localisation in sustainable food systems, questioning whether this focus genuinely promotes equity across diverse communities.

Incorporating justice concepts into the analysis of food system transformation is essential for a thorough understanding of the intricate structure of the UK food system and its impact. By examining ecological, anthropocentric, political, and socio-economic factors, we can address the full scope of issues that need to be addressed, particularly in light of the UK's goal to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Ensuring that marginalised voices are included in decision-making processes is crucial to prevent the perpetuation of historical injustices. A multidimensional approach to justice not only promotes inclusivity but also ensures that sustainability initiatives effectively address structural inequities. Ultimately, integrating justice frameworks fosters a more accurate and holistic understanding of food system challenges, guiding equitable and sustainable transformations.                                                                                                                           (599 words)

 

 

 

 

 

Reference List

Allen, P. 2010. Realizing justice in local food systems. Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society. 3(2), pp.295–308.

Coulson, H. and Milbourne, P. 2020. Food justice for all?: searching for the ‘justice multiple’ in UK food movements. Agriculture and Human Values.

DEFRA 2019. AZE0038 - Evidence on Agriculture, achieving net-zero emissions. Parliament.uk. [Online]. Available from: https://committees.parliament.uk/writtenevidence/105593/html.

Whitfield, S., Apgar, M., Chabvuta, C., Challinor, A., Deering, K., Dougill, A., Gulzar, A., Kalaba, F., Lamanna, C., Manyonga, D., Naess, L.O., Quinn, C.H., Rosentock, T.S., Sallu, S.M., Schreckenberg, K., Smith, H.E., Smith, R., Steward, P. and Vincent, K. 2021. A framework for examining justice in food system transformations research. Nature Food. 2(6), pp.383–385.

WRAP 2021. UK Food System GHG [Online]. [Accessed 4 November 2024]. Available from: https://www.wrap.ngo/sites/default/files/2021-10/WRAP-UK-Food-System-GHG-Emissions-Technical-Report_0.pdf.