The administrative state in food policymaking: a fait accompli
International Journal of Public Sector Management
ISSN: 0951-3558
Article publication date: 24 December 2021
Issue publication date: 15 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This paper analyzes scholarly literature and the development of a nonstate food strategy in Canada, the Conference Board of Canada's Canadian Food Strategy, to explore the role of the administrative state in food policymaking.
Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on an exploratory case study drawing data from 38 semistructured interviews, including elite interviews. It also draws on policy documents from the nonstate food strategy.
Findings
This paper shows that various nonstate actors, including large food industry players, identify a role for the state in food policy in two ways: as a “conductor,” playing a managing role in the food policy process, and as a “commander,” taking control of policy development and involving nonstate actors when necessary. The complex and wicked aspects of food policy require the administrative state's involvement in food policymaking, while tamer aspects of food policy may be less state-centric.
Originality/value
This paper fills gaps in studies exploring food policymaking processes as well as the administrative state's role in food policymaking in a governance era. It contributes to a better understanding of the state's role in complex and wicked policy domains.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. The author wishes to show her gratitude to the research participants for their time and thank her doctoral committee for their wisdom and feedback throughout the research and writing process. She would also like to thank the anonymous reviewers who provided valuable feedback and insights through the review process that greatly improved the paper.
Citation
Bancerz, M. (2022), "The administrative state in food policymaking: a fait accompli", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 35 No. 4, pp. 410-427. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPSM-07-2021-0161
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited