Supporting Sustainability through Developing a Learning Network among Traditional Food Producers: Applications of Action Learning

Abstract

Purpose

The chapter describes and reflects upon an EU-funded research initiative, TRADEIT, which has attempted to develop a learning network among European traditional food producers as one way of contributing to the economic sustainability of the ventures, the social sustainability of the food’s regional character and the environmental sustainability of food production through the use of traditional methods.

Methodology/approach

The chapter describes TRADEIT before moving on to an exploration of learning in organizations and networks. It outlines the action learning research methodology developed and implemented to explore the development of a learning network in TRADEIT. A single case history is presented to illustrate the engagement of a small food producer in the network.

Findings

The discussion reflects on the application of action learning in supporting sustainability evident in TRADEIT.

Originality/value

The chapter focuses on the application of action learning in the development of a learning network among traditional food producers across Europe.

Citation

Coughlan, P., Coghlan, D., O’Leary, D., Rigg, C. and Barrett, D. (2016), "Supporting Sustainability through Developing a Learning Network among Traditional Food Producers: Applications of Action Learning", Organizing Supply Chain Processes for Sustainable Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry (Organizing for Sustainable Effectiveness, Vol. 5), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-060520160000005011