| Title | Mainstreaming local organic foods: organic food provision in a fresh market to promote organic production-consumption system in emerging economy |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 71047 |
| Authors | Thongplew, N; Onwong, J; Ransikarbum, K; Kotlakome, R |
| Title | Mainstreaming local organic foods: organic food provision in a fresh market to promote organic production-consumption system in emerging economy |
| Year | 2023 |
| Published | |
| Abstract | Local organic food production and consumption are one of the central parts for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promoting sustainability in agricultural-based urbanizing cities. Local organic production and consumption systems in emerging economies face many challenges. One of the key challenges is the provision and access of local organic products, in which products are mostly sold through niche channels, mismatched with the food shopping practices of consumers in urbanizing provinces. Taking the case of urbanizing Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, this research assessed the social impacts of having a local organic food shop in a fresh market, a non-niche sale outlet, and evaluated the possibility of a new business for provisioning local organic products in such a shop. Through the operation of a pilot local organic food shop at a fresh market in an urban area, the return on social investment (ROI) and social return on investment (SROI) were analyzed. Analyzed social impacts included entrepreneur's income, farmers' income, farmers' time spent, consumers' health, consumers' spending on fuel, and improved local environment. The results reveal that operating the shop creates positive impacts benefiting local organic farmers and urban consumers, in terms of increasing incomes, saving time, better health, and reducing greenhouse gases. However, the shop does not present a viable business opportunity without improving efficiency and establishing cooperation with aligned partners. This research contributes to the development of a local organic food system for promoting a green, sustainable city and sheds some light on the local organic food production-consumption system in the context of emerging economies. |
No similar articles found.