Have Agri-Food Institutions Learned from the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Abstract

In this study, representatives (n=18) from Alberta agri-food institutions were interviewed to understand the institutional learning practices that were employed following the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in May, 2003. Based on theoretical frameworks derived from reflexive modernization and transformative learning, this research reviewed the learning practices among different agri-food institutions in government and industry and concluded that one aspect of transformative learning, instrumental learning took place in most institutions. However, the other aspect of transformative learning, communicative learning did not occur in agri-food institutions. The study concluded the absence of communicative learning can be attributed to a lack of a rational discourse and inadequate institutional reflexivity. Based on these findings, several recommendations are offered to enhance aspects of communicative learning within agri-food institutions.