Home About Browse Search
Svenska


Hagenmüller, Andrej, 2020. Exploring labeling for ecosystem services and biodiversity : a Q study with the German food-processing industry. Second cycle, A2E. Uppsala: SLU, Dept. of Economics

[img]
Preview
PDF
1MB

Abstract

Agriculture contributes to the deterioration of ecosystem services and the loss of biodiversity. Policy measures to combat these problems are often ineffective. Eco-labeling can help to involve consumers for increasing the share of products addressing ecosystem conservation. However, the literature has paid little attention to the food industry’s perspective on labels, albeit the industry’s crucial role for label implementation. The objective of this study is to explore the German food industry’s views of food product labeling for the effective and efficient provision of ecosystem services. Q methodology was applied which ensured that the interviewees compared statements relative to each other and sorted them based on their subjective valuation which yielded three distinct viewpoints as outcomes. The first viewpoint (“grass-roots labelists”) highlighted the importance of transparent norms for the quantification of ecosystem services; the second viewpoint (“local believers”) highlighted the potential of ‘local’ ecosystem services; and the third viewpoint (“skeptics”) showed doubts regarding a label-based approach for the provision of ecosystem services. The heterogeneity in viewpoints leads to the conclusion that the detailed assessment of markets, products, consumers, regions, and ecosystem services is crucial. Although context is important, and tailored solutions are necessary, the three identified viewpoints can provide some guidance on focus areas for such further analysis.

Main title:Exploring labeling for ecosystem services and biodiversity
Subtitle:a Q study with the German food-processing industry
Authors:Hagenmüller, Andrej
Supervisor:Rommel, Jens and Schulze, Christoph
Examiner:Ferguson, Richard
Series:Examensarbete / SLU, Institutionen för ekonomi
Volume/Sequential designation:1311
Year of Publication:2020
Level and depth descriptor:Second cycle, A2E
Student's programme affiliation:NM005 Environmental Economics and Management - Master's Programme 120 HEC
Supervising department:(NL, NJ) > Dept. of Economics
Keywords:agriculture, EU, food, label, multi-stakeholder approach, Q methodology, viewpoints
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-16015
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-16015
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Agricultural economics and policies
Trade, marketing and distribution
Language:English
Deposited On:15 Sep 2020 10:54
Metadata Last Modified:16 Sep 2020 01:00

Repository Staff Only: item control page