This paper is an original empirical attempt to explain the outcome of collective action in the domain of food safety. We examine conditions and institutions that influence pesticide residue levels in vegetables using econometric analysis on data gathered from 60 farmer organisations in Vietnam. Findings suggest that collective action affects safety in that it provides members with technical assistance and monitoring for pest management at the farming level. They confirm the U-shape hypothesis of the effect of group size on safety performance which derives from the trade-off that exists between economies of scale and free-riding. The contribution of public authorities and ecological conditions to food safety remains controversial, while market forces do not yet seem able to drive the production of safer vegetables.

Public authorities and consumers increasingly support food value chains that are more environmentally friendly. However, these value chains are faced with technical, economic and institutional limitations, calling into question their long-term viability. Based on two case studies of alternative food chains in France, namely einkorn (Triticum monococcum) in Haute Provence and organic rice in the Camargue, we evaluated their capacity to remain both viable and environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. After assessing the traditional economic, social and environmental performance of their sustainability, we performed a network analysis to determine the survivability of the systems. The combined use of the traditional pillars of sustainability and the network analysis forms what we term the systemic sustainability. Results suggest that the einkorn value chain is characterised by a high degree of centrality represented by a producers’ association, although the systemic sustainability of the chain is reduced by its dependence on a leading processor. As for the organic rice value chain, centralised power is exerted by three companies embedded in a strong network of actors characterised by diversified connections. The paper concludes by highlighting the potential interest of conducting a network analysis to better determine the sustainability of food value chains.

In Vietnam, consumers and buyers show strong concerns on safe vegetable quality. Yet, control of vegetable safety is difficult in a situation of small-scale farming. Concerning linking farmers to market, many studies emphasized the vital role of farmer organization, but few studies focus on the specific activities of quality control by collective action. This paper aims to describe the present patterns of collective action by vegetable farmers involved in the development of vegetable safety, with a special focus on quality control. It is based on case studies of nine vegetable organizations. The study concludes that group leadership and farmers’ sense of responsibility are the main ways for current Vietnamese farmer organizations to ensure producing a high-quality product associated with long-term acquaintance as well as the same residence area of the farmers because they cherish their reputation.