Beyond political economy: Actor networks and the globalization of agriculture

Abstract

This article suggests that the actor network theory can be used to better understand agricultural globalization. Using the the globalization of the Canadian rapeseed as an example, the industry is analyzed in terms of the actor network theory. The globalization of the rapeseed industry underwent three simultaneous developments: modification between people and plants, extension of rapeseed production networks, and redistribution of power and status among involved actors.