Sustainability, justice and equity in food systems: Ideas and proposals in dispute in Brazil
Renato S. Maluf, Luciene Burlandy, Rosângela Pezza Cintrão, Emília Jomalinis, Tassia C.O. Carvalho, Theresa Tribaldos
Abstract
The impacts of food systems on climate change are of growing concern as meat consumption and the soy-meat complex expand. This article explores contrasting ideas, proposals and narratives in the Brazilian context with its significant power asymmetries and identifies two broad discursive repertoires voiced by the private sector, civil society and government to differently address issues of food and environmental justice, social equity and climate change. The influence of these repertoires on public policies can induce or hinder just transitions in food systems. Documents from 2008 to 2021 are analyzed, mainly focusing on multi-scale food systems, dimensions of justice and corporate political action. Contrasting perspectives on the drivers of inequalities and sustainability are also presented, along with respective proposals ranging from paradigm shifts in food systems to topical solutions based on private mechanisms.