Work

Harvesting labour justice: Interrogating the social implications of sustainable transformation efforts in Sweden’s forest berry industry

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Localisation is increasingly seen as a solution to the many problems associated with global food systems. However, there is growing concern that the uncritical promotion of ‘the local’ effectively conceals its exclusionary mechanisms, including the exclusion of temporary migrant workers from discussions about food system transformation. Through a critical examination of ongoing efforts in Västerbotten, Sweden to transform a criticised global food chain involving forest berries, this paper interrogates the social justice implications of such initiatives, focusing on the fair and democratic inclusion of global workers in sustainable food production. This analysis underscores the need to recognise the intertwined nature of local food and global labour dynamics in sustainable food production. Ultimately, the paper calls for a reimagining of food systems as spaces of collaboration, solidarity and mutual respect, emphasising the need to challenge hierarchical, global divisions of labour to create a truly inclusive food system.

Source: Environment and Planning A Economy and Space

DOI: 10.1177/0308518x251377073

Author: Linn Axelsson

Institution: Stockholm University

Language: English

Topic: Global trade, sustainability, and social impact

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900