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Multifunctionality: refocusing a spreading, loose and fashionable concept for looking at sustainability?

Author

Listed:
  • Patrick Caron
  • Ernest Reig
  • Dirk Roep
  • Werner Hediger
  • Tristan Le Cotty
  • Denis Barthelemy
  • Anna Hadynska
  • Jakub Hadynski
  • Henk A. Oostindie
  • Eric Sabourin

Abstract

The notion of agriculture's Multifunctionality (MF) emerged in the 1980s. It then followed two trajectories since the 1990s: a conflicting period linked to its use in the international trade negotiations on the one hand, a spreading in terms of meaning, use and geographically on the other hand. Specific meanings appeared in connection with policy making, at national or international levels, or through the involvement of new disciplines. Yet, very few authors discuss the implication of the chosen meaning on their findings. To explore and take advantage of using this word and to deliver it from its controversial use in international trade negotiations, it is absolutely necessary to clearly understand the differences in the epistemological and ideological foundations behind different conceptions of MF. Highlighting the historical conditions in which the word emerged and was used, is an important but not sufficient pathway to interpret the diversity of meanings and uses and to make the word a meaningful, robust and operational concept for addressing Sustainable Development (SD) and designing adequate policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Caron & Ernest Reig & Dirk Roep & Werner Hediger & Tristan Le Cotty & Denis Barthelemy & Anna Hadynska & Jakub Hadynski & Henk A. Oostindie & Eric Sabourin, 2008. "Multifunctionality: refocusing a spreading, loose and fashionable concept for looking at sustainability?," International Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 7(4/5), pages 301-318.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijarge:v:7:y:2008:i:4/5:p:301-318
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    Cited by:

    1. Tessier, Louis & Bijttebier, Jo & Marchand, Fleur & Baret, Philippe V., 2021. "Identifying the farming models underlying Flemish beef farmers' practices from an agroecological perspective with archetypal analysis," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    2. Werner Hediger, 2013. "From Multifunctionality and Sustainability of Agriculture to the Social Responsibility of the Agri-food System," Journal of Socio-Economics in Agriculture (Until 2015: Yearbook of Socioeconomics in Agriculture), Swiss Society for Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, vol. 6(1), pages 59-80.
    3. Chuen Khee Pek & Fang Ee & Foo, 2022. "Agricultural Multifunctionality For Sustainable Development In Malaysia: A Contingent Valuation Method Approach," Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture (MJSA), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 6(1), pages 1-6, January.
    4. Hediger, Werner, 2008. "Agriculture’s Multifunctionality, Sustainability, and Social Responsibility," 82nd Annual Conference, March 31 - April 2, 2008, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK 36854, Agricultural Economics Society.
    5. Mirosław Biczkowski & Aleksandra Jezierska-Thöle & Roman Rudnicki, 2021. "The Impact of RDP Measures on the Diversification of Agriculture and Rural Development—Seeking Additional Livelihoods: The Case of Poland," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-26, March.
    6. Pierre Gasselin & Michel Vaillant & Benjamin Bathfield, 2012. "The activity system. A position paper," Post-Print hal-00742998, HAL.

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