The importance of preparedness for disasters is widely discussed in the popular press and the academic literature. It is not difficult to find lists of recommendations for reinforcing a structure, securing its contents, and protecting human life. These recommendations range from permanent structural changes in facilities to last minute adjustments to protect life and property. While recommendations are extensive, the suggestions specific to small businesses, as well as the literature regarding if these practices are employed, are more limited.

Of the research on these recommendation, one central theme emerges: owners are not utilizing many strategies to prepare for adversity. This begs the question: why not? We consider one potential answer: preparation may not ensure recovery and resilience. This possible answer is explored in the context small firms in the fallout of Hurricane Katrina.

The pressure on the global agri-food industry to deliver private and public goods sustainably has never been greater or more timely than today.
Governments, and intergovernmental organisations often do not provide the necessary institutional environment for the agri-food sector to deliver and perform. In many situations, the agri-food sector needs to organise such that it by-passes, where necessary, the bottlenecks of governments and local nomenclatures. We present a rudimentary by-pass model of collective action by all stakeholders of the agri-food chain, from farmers, to input suppliers, to processors, traders, distributors, and even to consumers, scientists and civil society.