The potential of polycentric governance for food system transition

Background: Theoretically polycentric governance, collective action and commoning are considered among the most promising modes of institutionalizing a food system transition towards sustainability and resilience. However, corresponding claims have hardly ever been seriously scrutinized. Empirically, the organic farming sector could be a good role model for such a transition or the emergence of alternative food networks.

Aim: To assess the potentials and problems of polycentric governance of the food system to lead to a transition. Further, an aim is to scrutinize concrete examples of farming systems’ innovation as regards its transformative potentials.