Information Technology in Support of Sustainable Food Choices

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The goal of the study is to answer the question of whether the current processes of technological change and innovation within the agri-food system could help to increase its sustainability. Four strands of literature are used to unveil the nexus between sustainability and innovation: models of technical change and innovation, sustainability definitions, agroecology as a science and political movement, and the conceptualization of food regimes. The results indicate that innovation processes in the system follow two innovation trajectories, leading to two different food regimes, with opposite effects on sustainability. Since market forces push towards the less sustainable regime, adequate interventions are required in order to assure the sustainability of the system. The work described in this paper describes a role for information technology in supporting this re-examination of food choices. Consumers might wish to act in environmentally friendly ways, but they lack the necessary information. Trust is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity. In this context, we have established a virtual community on the web intended to link consumers wanting to buy locally produced food with those who are producing it. This community is intended to be a source of information and discussion about the many environmental issues involved with food choices. Creating and nurturing this online community has been, and continues to be, challenging. Many producers may not have easy access to high-bandwidth internet connections, or even a home computer. For many, the idea of online communication is a new concept. This paper discusses the project from the perspective of online communities and decision support. It also outlines opportunities for further development and growth.

Keywords: Sustainability, agriculture, precision agriculture, blockchain technology, sensing technology, nanotechnology