Trans-Local Food Coalitions
The research project „Trans-Local Food Coalitions" explores alternative food systems and models to address the challenges of globalization. At its core are global food chains that directly connect producers and consumers while advancing democratic and sustainability objectives. The project is a collaboration between BOKU University Vienna, the University of Basel and TU Berlin's Centre for Technology and Society, and is funded by the FWF, SNSF, and DFG. It began in fall 2024 and runs for three years, aiming to generate both scientific insights and practical knowledge for practitioners.
Background and Focus
Today's globalized commodity chains face challenges related to the uneven distribution of benefits, the concentration of economic and political power, and — more recently — their reduced resilience in the face of external shocks such as economic crises or the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, individuals, communities, and companies are developing alternative models of commodity chains that directly connect producers and consumers. These alternatives promise to be more environmentally sustainable, promote social welfare, create transparency, and increase democratic control.
But do they actually contribute to an alternative, democratic vision of sustainability — or do they rather follow new forms of "green growth"?
This question is at the center of our research. We focus on TLFCs: organizations of various forms (initiatives, organizations, companies, projects) that seek to (re)build relationships between food actors at different geographical levels, thereby promoting alternative concepts and practices of globalization.
Team
Prof. Dr. Marianne Penker — BOKU University Vienna
Prof. Dr. Manfred Max Bergman — University of Basel
Prof. Dr. Dr. Martina Schäfer — Center for Technology and Society at TU Berlin
PD Dr. Basil Bornemann — University of Basel
Dr. Antonia Kaiser — University of Basel
Dr. Marta López Cifuentes — BOKU University Vienna
Dr. Benjamin Hennchen — Humboldt University Berlin
Dr. Sarah Espinosa Flor — BOKU University Vienna
Anna Obernoster — BOKU University Vienna
Fabienne Erni — University of Basel
Greta Stein — Center for Technology and Society at TU Berlin
Emma Felisatti — BOKU University Vienna