ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the notion of 'the alternative' itself remains relatively unexamined, or unproblematised. The empirical work that underpins was conducted over a period of three years, and involved work with six food businesses and initiatives that allowed direct contact of some kind between food producers and consumers. Alternative Food Networks (AFN) literature is divisible, according to Goodman, in general terms into two broad arenas: a European literature and a North American literature. Earth Share Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is located in the district of Nairn, North East Scotland and provides around 200 households with vegetables each week. The chapter concludes by suggesting that diversity within the 'alternative' food sector is not necessarily problematic and that contingent, accidental and partial commitment of consumers to schemes has not undermined their success.