PhD Study : Defining local food production: Investigating the role of artisan producers

Summary

The use of food marketing terms on food can assist consumers in the food choices they make by providing a point of differentiation and/or value to a product. Certain terms are used by manufacturers, producers and retailers to market their products, but it is important that these terms do not mislead consumers. It is important that consumers are confident that the foods they buy are accurately and truthfully as described and labelled (FSAI, 2018).

Also, food businesses should be confident that the descriptions of their food are not being undermined by the incorrect use of marketing terms by other businesses (FSAI, 2018). Clearly defining food marketing terms can aid in their compliance with governing bodies.

The United Kingdom is in the midst of an artisan food revolution with a huge rise in interest around artisan food products from local communities, food innovators and entrepreneurs. In practical terms, Government-backed Food Enterprise Zones are expected to create new jobs, support tourism and inject investment into rural communities across the United Kingdom by encouraging new entrants into the food industry and creating artisanal food hubs (DEFRA, 2015).

Unfortunately, no official definition or standard for artisan foods exists in Northern Ireland. Consequently, the term has come to be used as a marketing label. Similarly, no formal legal definition of the following key marketing terms used to promote a product exists: “traditional, farmhouse, handmade, and hand-crafted”.

This study will seek to understand the consumer, producer and stakeholder perceptions on defining these marketing terms as a mechanism for promoting local food produce in a way that is both authentic and meaningful for the producer and the consumer.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living