From value-for-money to values-for-money? Ethical food and policy in Europe

The paper considers how ethical food raises complex challenges for policy-makers. Looking mainly at Europe and developed countries, it suggests that the notion of ethical food is plastic, but that therein lie its strength and appeal. Civil society movements see it as a rallying point to restructure food systems, from land use to consumption. The mainstream corporate sector sees ethical food as an umbrella term under which many, sometimes even competing, aspirations nestle, but which can be incorporated as additional niche markets. Far from being new, the ethical food banner in the late 20th century has resurrected some older traditions, including those which contested power relations in the food system. But in the 21st century, with the world's food system under economic, environmental, social and political stress, the ethical food umbrella faces an uncertain future. It could be submerged by value-for-money consumerism; or it could become a champion of what the paper calls an emerging set of omni-standards, under which fragmented single issues coalesce and articulate a new paradigm.