ABSTRACT
Employing instances from the agri-food sector and a Critical Theory approach, the concept and actions known as best practices are criticized. This critique is directed at probing the “alternative” dimension of this construct. The analysis is carried out though the review of texts that advocate best practices. It is argued that the concept of best practices promotes and legitimizes neoliberalism by stressing its desirability, effectiveness and superiority in decision making. Best practices call for actions that transform the functioning of the market into the most desirable rationality. The superiority of the market is further employed to advocate the desirability of the neutralization of politics as market generated consensus is preferred to, and replaces, debates, contestation and political scrutiny. The rationale behind this posture rests on the neoliberal assumption that competitive advantage is the primary objective to be achieved. Accordingly, other forms of rationality are considered undesirable and, therefore, excluded. Downplaying structural issues, individual action is the preferred form of action for best practices and Neoliberalism alike. It is concluded that rather than representing a system that promotes alternative forms of action, best practices support the dominant ideology of Neoliberalism.
