Going local: what does it mean for food production and consumption? An analysis of the ethical issues in local food systems based on principles and interest groups

Abstract

Food transition is a hot topic, different actors are working towards a food system that is healthier, sustainable and fair. Local food production and consumption is gaining more and more support as a solution for current problems in our food system. The purpose of this study is to determine the ethical issues that are at stake when talking about local food systems and how they can contribute to a food system that is healthy, sustainable and fair. These ethical issues are based on research of different principles (well-being, autonomy and justice) for different interest groups (consumers, producers, animals and nature). I will argue that local food transition comes with a wide variety of ethical issues of which more analysis is needed in order to determine whether and how we should transition to local food systems.