Best Practices : the Artificial Negativity of Agri - Food

Employing instances from the agri-food sector and a Critical Theory approach, the concept and actions known as best practices are criticized. Developed in terms of the uses and ideological content of best practices, 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 calls for actions that transform the functioning of the market to the level of the most desirable form of rationality. The superiority of the market is further employed to advocate the desirability of the neutralization of politics for 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 reproduces the dominant ideology of Neoliberalism. “Best Practices sounds interesting and intriguing; in fact it is the way of the future for enhanced business performance. ...Best Practices is seeking out the ‘best of the best’ business concepts and adapting them into your business. Many industries have researched, analyzed and identified the keys that can be used for sustainable growth and survival in the global economy. Businesses today, in any sector in any country, have to consider these ideas within their own resource mix and business strategy.” Jack Welch (formed CEO of General Electric) “Best practices has emerged as an effective tool for measuring performance...In order to achieve comparative advantage and... surpass their competitors, organizations have always been exploring best practices leading to superior performance.” (Moazzam, Garnevska and Marr 2012: 3). “Good Agricultural Practices are “practices that address environmental, economic and social sustainability for on-farm process, and result in safe and quality food and non-food agricultural products.” (FAO)