新作坊 Humanity Innovation and Social Practice

Abstract

Agricultural production and food safety issues are derived from industrial mass production modes and capitalist commodity schemes. As physical distances between food producers and consumers have become longer, relationships between them have become alienated, misunderstood, and framed according to the principle of profit maximization. Taiwanese have recently witnessed multiple innovative projects involving food supply chains in an effort to facilitate direct connections between producers and consumers. However, if the masking effect of commodification or dominant recognition of economy cannot be addressed, it is likely that any rebuilt relationships that emerge will revert to capitalist market model. This paper uses an action plan called “Fruit-Harvest Club” to examine the potential for reconnection and the re-embeddedness of social relations between producers and consumers in institutions created in the name of community-supported agriculture. This paper also explores the implications of social economy in the interactions and practices of the producers, consumers, and facilitators involved in the plan, and argues that the “Fruit-Harvest Club” reflect the logic of action different from capitalist mode, the  reframing of the recognition of commodity exchange and facilitating the individual reembeded in the community. We found that actors in these new forms of social relations represent altruism and reciprocity in terms of understanding, caring, and supportive communities. Even though the Fruit-Harvest Club and others of its kind cannot completely replace capitalist operations, fruit farmers can take little risk and consumers can harvest safe food and gain a sense of belonging in social relations, as well as in efforts to transform the capitalist to social economy.