The role of the third sector in China’s agri-food transitions: Integrating transformative social innovation and the state–society paradigm

The third sector is increasingly recognised as a key driver of transformative change in the agri-food system, though its potential depends largely on the institutional context. This study integrates transformative social innovation theory with a state–society framework to examine the extent to which the third sector can support a society-driven transition pathway alternative to the state-led one. Combining a narrative literature review with case studies of 24 third sector organisations, it identifies and compares the two pathways through their guiding agendas and the social relations that characterise each. This study employs a deductive qualitative content analysis of organisations' activities, drawing primarily on public materials such as statements and reports available on the organisations' websites and social media. The findings reveal a nuanced interplay: while the third sector and the state share many agendas for transitions, particularly in recognising challenges and setting goals, their underlying motivations diverge. The state pursues transitions as a national strategy for food security, whereas third sector initiatives are grounded in community demands. State-led transitions intensify the concentration of power among large-scale operators while displacing smallholders. In contrast, the third sector reconnects farmers with the land and producers with consumers through alternative food networks. In only three cases, the third sector fosters social relations that remain compatible with the state's agendas. The study concludes that the third sector holds significant transformative potential, and that Chinese agri-food transitions could benefit from collaborative engagement between the two pathways.