Institutionalising the organic labelling scheme in China: a legitimacy perspective

Leonie Dendler; Paul Dewick

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.02.141

Institutionalising the organic labelling scheme in China: a legitimacy perspective

Leonie Dendler, Paul Dewick

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Abstract

Transitioning towards organic consumption and production has been widely promoted as a more sustainable alternative for urban and rural food systems. Our paper shows how a focus on legitimacy can shed light on current barriers to deeper institutionalisation of the organic labelling scheme in China. Based upon documentary analysis, personal observations and over 70 qualitative interviews we identify consequential concerns amongst Chinaâ€™s small scale farmers, limited support by the Chinese central government, and procedural problems as the main barriers. We discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, for example tighter certification procedures or more participatory arrangements. Our work contributes to the legitimacy, product labelling and food safety literatures as well as bourgeoning discussions on how to facilitate more sustainable consumption and production in China.

Original language	English
Journal	Journal of Cleaner Production
Early online date	28 Mar 2016
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.02.141
Publication status	Published - 15 Oct 2016

Keywords

Organic Food; China; Product Labelling; Legitimacy; New Institutional Theory

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

Manchester Institute of Innovation Research
Sustainable Consumption Institute

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.02.141

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abstract = "Transitioning towards organic consumption and production has been widely promoted as a more sustainable alternative for urban and rural food systems. Our paper shows how a focus on legitimacy can shed light on current barriers to deeper institutionalisation of the organic labelling scheme in China. Based upon documentary analysis, personal observations and over 70 qualitative interviews we identify consequential concerns amongst China{\^a}€{\texttrademark}s small scale farmers, limited support by the Chinese central government, and procedural problems as the main barriers. We discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, for example tighter certification procedures or more participatory arrangements. Our work contributes to the legitimacy, product labelling and food safety literatures as well as bourgeoning discussions on how to facilitate more sustainable consumption and production in China.",

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note = "The authors gratefully acknowledge the Sustainable Consumption Institute and the Fudan Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in their financial support for this research. We would furthermore like to thank Yusi Lin and Azura Gao for their interpretation assistance, Nicola Hutson and Ni Ye for research assistance and all interview participants for taking the time to share their insights.",

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AU - Dewick, Paul

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AB - Transitioning towards organic consumption and production has been widely promoted as a more sustainable alternative for urban and rural food systems. Our paper shows how a focus on legitimacy can shed light on current barriers to deeper institutionalisation of the organic labelling scheme in China. Based upon documentary analysis, personal observations and over 70 qualitative interviews we identify consequential concerns amongst Chinaâ€™s small scale farmers, limited support by the Chinese central government, and procedural problems as the main barriers. We discuss strategies to overcome these barriers, for example tighter certification procedures or more participatory arrangements. Our work contributes to the legitimacy, product labelling and food safety literatures as well as bourgeoning discussions on how to facilitate more sustainable consumption and production in China.

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JO - Journal of Cleaner Production

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ER -

Institutionalising the organic labelling scheme in China: a legitimacy perspective

Abstract

Keywords

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

UN SDGs

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