Empowering food democracy. The possible role of social actors in democratising food system(s)

Abstract

This article explores opportunities for democratising food systems through food democracy, social learning and actors, and democratic practices. Amid a global decline in democracy and challenges in the food system, food democracy—coined by Tim Lang—offers a means to empower all actors in the food chain. This concept calls for increased consumer participation and collective action to influence food policies and practices. Social learning and actors, as a collective process, provides spaces for identifying issues and making deliberative decisions. The proposal highlights how combining social learning and actors with democratic methods can guide individuals toward a more democratic and sustainable food system.