By looking at the topic from a historical, regional and national angle, followed by analyses of recent changes and challenges on the continent in terms of food policy, the book gives an overview of current trends in Latin America. The focus is on policy in ten countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay.

The book has five parts. The first looks at food policy in the region. The second contains a history of national food policies. The third examines recent national policy changes. The fourth explores innovative local actions and policies in both rural territories and towns, while the fifth focuses on the challenges of rolling out food policy aimed at building sustainable food systems.

While the book highlights the generally positive local initiatives and trends, it also reveals competition between different production models, inequalities in terms of land ownership, and marked issues concerning coordination between field players and State services. 

Its forty or so authors hope to contribute to the debate on and renewal of public policy in favour of more sustainable, more inclusive food systems that allow for local specificities.