Public perceptions of land-policy-for-local-food goals: findings from a discrete choice experiment study

Over the last decade, the relocation of food supplies has gained relevance in many developed countries. Additionally, the literature on local food systems has shed light on the strategic role of land use control and public regulation of access to farmland in the emergence of pioneering initiatives. Yet a deeper understanding of what contributes to citizen support is essential for local policymakers to achieve land policy goals aimed at promoting local food production. This study draws on a discrete choice experiment to examine public preferences for policy packages involving specific targets for farmland uses and land regulation instruments (including a financial contribution). The survey was conducted to a sample of 700 residents living in France the Isère département. The econometric analysis identified two distinct groups with contrasting preferences. A minority living far from the urban centre, despite being indifferent to change, expressed a positive valuation of the planning of urban agriculture and of making use of public land for cultivation of field vegetables. This scenario echoes actions taken by some municipalities to offer locally produced food in school canteens. Conversely, people living in the urban centre or surrounding areas expressed preferences and high WTP for a proactive policy geared towards the use of public land for smaller farms and totally organic agriculture. This group is also found to place less value on planning. Overall, the policy scenarios envisioned by each group of citizens are consistent with their consumption behaviours. Research limitations and perspectives are then discussed.