Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book probes the theme of the new frontier of resistance to global neoliberal agri-food. It focuses on the development of resistance in different parts of the world, with an emphasis on the Americas. The chapter discusses the phenomenon of "best practices" and probes its alternative dimension. The 'best practices' extensive use of "progressive" concepts such as sustainability, social acceptability, and the safeguard of workers and the environment makes them acceptable to groups and individuals that oppose neoliberal, corporate agri-food. The chapter focuses on resistance applied to the state and to public expenditures focused on environmental protection in agriculture. It opens with "Reflecting on Counter-Hegemonic Strategies of Food and Nutritional Security: Notes on the Brazilian Case" by Carneiro dos Reis. The chapter probes the emancipatory role of geographical indication (GI) policies in Japan.