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Annabelle Boulay

University of Derby, Geoscience, Faculty Member

University of Exeter in Cornwall, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty Member

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Dr Annabelle Boulay has joined the Department of GeoScience at the University of Derby in September 2015. Prior this position, Dr Annabelle Boulay worked at the University of Roehampton. Dr Annabelle Boulay also worked as as Senior Research Fellow at the University of Exeter from November 2012 until December 2013. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science and a PhD in Human Geography from Kingston University. Following the completion of her PhD in 2006, Annabelle worked as a postdoctoral fellow for the department of Consumer Science at the Institute of Food Research, Norwich, from which she moved to a lecturer role in human geography at Kingston University.

Dr Boulay research interests lie in the sector of rural geography with particular interests to the geography of food and rural development. In addition, throughout lecturing and research experience at Kingston University, her expertise in research methods have been applied to various projects:

1- Unpacking the Household: understanding the domestic dynamics of recycling

This research uses qualitative methodologies (diaries, repeat interviews and observation) to reveal the household dynamics of recycling practices within two national contexts (the UK and France). The research objectives are to plot the ways in which materials enter and move through the household and unpack the processes of negotiation and ‘decision making’ within households in regard to recycling.

2- Comparing urban and rural eating habits: a key for future policy for food consumption

3- Integration of European citizens in the EU.

4- Ethnic identities and positioning ‘in the field’: identifying key issues for the GEES subjects.

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Papers by Annabelle Boulay

An analysis of farm diversification in France and the United Kingdom based on case studies of Sud Manche and West Dorset

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

Allergy, 2008

An analysis of farm diversification in France and the United Kingdom based on case studies of Sud Manche and West Dorset

In the past two decades farming in the European Union (EU) has come under increasing pressure to ... more In the past two decades farming in the European Union (EU) has come under increasing pressure to survive as the profits from sales of agricultural commodities have fallen despite the substantial financial inputs from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). To maintain their income, farmers have had to diversify their business. The sociocultural, political and economic reasons involved in farm diversification ought to be analysed critically at this particular time for European agriculture with the implementation of Agenda 2000 promoting farm diversification within its rural development policy. Recent changes in the CAP which aim to shift away agriculture from a purely agricultural support agenda towards a broader approach to both agricultural and rural development have encouraged diversification and/or pluriactivity among farmers. The aim of introducing diversification and/or pluriactivity on farms is to maintain falling farm income by providing another source of income in the business and spreading the economic risk, to develop rural development by the creation of jobs, but also to protect the environment. The primary aim of the research was to identify, analyse and compare the nature of diversification in two European dairy areas, sud Manche (France) and west Dorset (Britain). Sud Manche and west Dorset are two dairy areas that have a great opportunity for farm diversification linked to milk processing activities and tourism. The secondary aim of this research was to determine whether the decision-making process used by farmers to decide to diversify is driven by the changes in agricultural policy or by the characteristics of the farmers and the farms. The study used questionnaires, interviews and focus group to identify the nature and extent of diversification as well as to collect information on farmer's attitudes towards diversification. The results have showed that farmers from both study areas have diversified and have a different attitude toward diversification. The nature of diversification is different in the two areas. Farmers in sud Manche have diversified into a more agricultural orientated diversification whereas farmers in west Dorset have more non-agricultural diversification. However, some farmers in both study areas do not believe that diversification is a long term solution to the agricultural crisis in Europe. Moreover, many farmers have expressed their concerns about agricultural policy changes and the entry to the EU of countries from central and eastern Europe and the consequences this could have on agricultural prices. Farmers in sud Manche appeared not very knowledgeable about the various options to diversification and were quite reluctant to do anything else except producing food. On the other hand, farmers in west Dorset appeared to have more knowledge about diversification and pluriactivity and were more inclined to the idea of producing something else than food production.

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

Allergy, 2008

The impact of the Common Agricultural Policy on Cretan landscape and rural livelihood

Greek agriculture has experienced important changes during the 20th century, moving from subsiste... more Greek agriculture has experienced important changes during the 20th century, moving from subsistence to commercial farming as a result of global agriculture changes associated with the integration of Greece into the European Economic Community (EEC) (now the European Union (EU)). The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Greece has had a profound impact on the Cretan countryside and the changes in agricultural practices have had several impacts on Cretan social and cultural landscapes. The productivist agricultural policy has led to intensification of farming with large amounts of capital invested in farming. Rural livelihoods have also been affected as the rural exodus led people (including farmers) to migrate to urban areas for employment. In recent years, the post-productivist approach to agriculture has encouraged a more sustainable approach to farming by adopting extensive farming as well as diversification. This study used a qualitative approach using in de...

Exploring household dynamics for recycling in the United Kingdom

Farm diversification in a dairying region: the example of Sud Manche, Western France

Factors Affecting Incidence of Peanut Allergy: Priorities for Research and Policy

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2008

Peanut exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding and complementary feeding: perceptions of practices in four countries

by Anna Strada, Annabelle Boulay, and Gene Rowe

International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2014

ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular conc... more ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular concern, given that this is rarely outgrown and may be associated with life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, it is unclear what factors are responsible for a perceived increase in prevalence rates. One matter on which scientists agree, however, is that exposure to peanuts early in life is significant – although whether early exposure protects or sensitizes to allergy is unclear. There is no significant research that currently records differences in early life exposure either within or between populations. This exploratory study makes a first step in this direction using focus groups conducted in four countries with disparate ‘peanut experiences’ to characterize early exposure in these. The ultimate aim is to help in the development of a survey instrument to attain nationally representative samples of consumers and hence to use the results from this to compare with allergy prevalence data collected in other parts of the European Union-funded ‘EuroPrevall’ project. The results in this study not only reveal considerable similarities across countries (e.g. in terms of lack of knowledge of guidelines; lack of changes in feeding behaviour during/after pregnancy, feelings that diet variety in children is important) but also one or two interesting and potentially important differences, such as increased consumption in Bulgarian (and some Spanish) breastfeeding mothers because of the ability of peanuts to facilitate lactation. Study limitations and future study intentions are also discussed.

Characteristics of the peanut chain in Europe - implications for peanut allergy

Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria

Peanuts are one of the main food allergens, occasionally responsible for life-threatening reactio... more Peanuts are one of the main food allergens, occasionally responsible for life-threatening reactions. Thus, many studies have tried to fi nd a connection between peanut allergy prevalence and processes in the peanut chain that may contribute to the peanut allergenicity. To inform this discussion, this paper outlines experiences in peanut cultivation, trade and processing in Europe, focusing on four European countries with different peanut experiences (Poland, Bulgaria, Spain and the UK). Results here are based on documentary analysis and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 32 experts involved in various stages of the peanut chain, including peanut farmers, processors, traders, food technologists and manufacturers. A common peanut chain diagram has been drawn considering shelled and in-shell peanuts. The analysis of each stage of peanut processing has been made in accordance with this peanut chain schema. Thermal and mechanical processes are discussed alongside the resultant...

Peanut exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding and complementary feeding: perceptions of practices in four countries

International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2014

ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular conc... more ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular concern, given that this is rarely outgrown and may be associated with life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, it is unclear what factors are responsible for a perceived increase in prevalence rates. One matter on which scientists agree, however, is that exposure to peanuts early in life is significant – although whether early exposure protects or sensitizes to allergy is unclear. There is no significant research that currently records differences in early life exposure either within or between populations. This exploratory study makes a first step in this direction using focus groups conducted in four countries with disparate ‘peanut experiences’ to characterize early exposure in these. The ultimate aim is to help in the development of a survey instrument to attain nationally representative samples of consumers and hence to use the results from this to compare with allergy prevalence data collected in other parts of the European Union-funded ‘EuroPrevall’ project. The results in this study not only reveal considerable similarities across countries (e.g. in terms of lack of knowledge of guidelines; lack of changes in feeding behaviour during/after pregnancy, feelings that diet variety in children is important) but also one or two interesting and potentially important differences, such as increased consumption in Bulgarian (and some Spanish) breastfeeding mothers because of the ability of peanuts to facilitate lactation. Study limitations and future study intentions are also discussed.

Salt. UK consumers’ perceptions and consumption patterns

Appetite, 2013

Infant feeding and allergy prevention: a review of current knowledge and recommendations. A EuroPrevall state of the art paper

Allergy, 2009

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

by Annabelle Boulay, Roser Sala, Julie Houghton, and Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka

Allergy, 2008

Peanuts are extensively cultivated around the world, providing a foodstuff that is both cheap to ... more Peanuts are extensively cultivated around the world, providing a foodstuff that is both cheap to produce and nutritious. However, allergy to peanuts is of growing global concern, particularly given the severity of peanut-allergic reactions, which can include anaphylaxis and death. Consequently, it is important to understand the factors related to the prevalence of peanut allergy in order to inform efforts to ameliorate or pre-empt the condition. In this article we review evidence for the relevance of factors hypothesized to have some association with allergy prevalence, including both genetic and environmental factors. Although our analysis does indicate some empirical support for the importance of a number of factors, the key finding is that there are significant data gaps in the literature that undermine our ability to provide firm conclusions. We highlight these gaps, indicating questions that need to be addressed by future research.

A characterization of peanut consumption in four countries: results from focus groups and their implications for peanut allergy prevalence

by Annabelle Boulay, Roser Sala, Julie Houghton, and Gene Rowe

International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2009

Rates of peanut allergy in the Western world have increased over the last 30 years, although it i... more Rates of peanut allergy in the Western world have increased over the last 30 years, although it is unclear why. While eating behaviours are likely to be connected to allergy prevalence, the precise relevant factors are uncertain. This study aimed to investigate dietary differences and changes in dietary habits in peanut consumption (in apparent and hidden forms) in four different countries (Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, UK), specifically chosen because of their different ‘peanut experiences’. Focus groups revealed a common perception that dietary habits have become less healthy, with more consumption of processed foods and an increase in snacking. In addition, ethnic cuisine was perceived to have had an important impact on European eating habits, while participants identified an increase in consumption of more ‘exotic’ forms of peanuts and their products. These findings point to an increase in exposure to peanuts, particularly in hidden forms, that superficially parallels increased prevalence rates. However, it was also clear that participants lacked knowledge about the composition of food and non-food products. The dietary trends identified here thus warrant further quantitative investigation, particularly in the context of differential national patterns of allergy prevalence – data on which is currently being gathered within the EC-funded EuroPrevall project.

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

by Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka, A. Strada, Annabelle Boulay, and Julie Houghton

Allergy, 2008

MYTH OR REALITY? DIVERSIFICATION IN THE DAIRY AREAS OF MANCHE, FRANCE AND DORSET, BRITAIN.

Innovations in Rural Areas, Jan 1, 2003

MYTH OR REALITY? DIVERSIFICATION IN THE DAIRY AREAS OF MANCHE, FRANCE AND DORSET, BRITAIN. Annabe... more

Farm diversification in a dairying region: the example of Sud Manche, Western France

ORGANIC FARMING: A SOLUTION TO AGRICULTURE CRISIS OR A NEW TREND TO HEALTHY EATING? AN OVERVIEW OF FRENCH AND BRITISH …

Revija za geografijo-Journal for Geography, Jan 1, 2010

A characterization of peanut consumption in four countries: results from focus groups and their implications for peanut allergy prevalence

by Annabelle Boulay and Julie Houghton

International …, Jan 1, 2009

An analysis of farm diversification in France and the United Kingdom based on case studies of Sud Manche and West Dorset

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

Allergy, 2008

An analysis of farm diversification in France and the United Kingdom based on case studies of Sud Manche and West Dorset

In the past two decades farming in the European Union (EU) has come under increasing pressure to ... more In the past two decades farming in the European Union (EU) has come under increasing pressure to survive as the profits from sales of agricultural commodities have fallen despite the substantial financial inputs from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). To maintain their income, farmers have had to diversify their business. The sociocultural, political and economic reasons involved in farm diversification ought to be analysed critically at this particular time for European agriculture with the implementation of Agenda 2000 promoting farm diversification within its rural development policy. Recent changes in the CAP which aim to shift away agriculture from a purely agricultural support agenda towards a broader approach to both agricultural and rural development have encouraged diversification and/or pluriactivity among farmers. The aim of introducing diversification and/or pluriactivity on farms is to maintain falling farm income by providing another source of income in the business and spreading the economic risk, to develop rural development by the creation of jobs, but also to protect the environment. The primary aim of the research was to identify, analyse and compare the nature of diversification in two European dairy areas, sud Manche (France) and west Dorset (Britain). Sud Manche and west Dorset are two dairy areas that have a great opportunity for farm diversification linked to milk processing activities and tourism. The secondary aim of this research was to determine whether the decision-making process used by farmers to decide to diversify is driven by the changes in agricultural policy or by the characteristics of the farmers and the farms. The study used questionnaires, interviews and focus group to identify the nature and extent of diversification as well as to collect information on farmer's attitudes towards diversification. The results have showed that farmers from both study areas have diversified and have a different attitude toward diversification. The nature of diversification is different in the two areas. Farmers in sud Manche have diversified into a more agricultural orientated diversification whereas farmers in west Dorset have more non-agricultural diversification. However, some farmers in both study areas do not believe that diversification is a long term solution to the agricultural crisis in Europe. Moreover, many farmers have expressed their concerns about agricultural policy changes and the entry to the EU of countries from central and eastern Europe and the consequences this could have on agricultural prices. Farmers in sud Manche appeared not very knowledgeable about the various options to diversification and were quite reluctant to do anything else except producing food. On the other hand, farmers in west Dorset appeared to have more knowledge about diversification and pluriactivity and were more inclined to the idea of producing something else than food production.

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

Allergy, 2008

The impact of the Common Agricultural Policy on Cretan landscape and rural livelihood

Greek agriculture has experienced important changes during the 20th century, moving from subsiste... more Greek agriculture has experienced important changes during the 20th century, moving from subsistence to commercial farming as a result of global agriculture changes associated with the integration of Greece into the European Economic Community (EEC) (now the European Union (EU)). The implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in Greece has had a profound impact on the Cretan countryside and the changes in agricultural practices have had several impacts on Cretan social and cultural landscapes. The productivist agricultural policy has led to intensification of farming with large amounts of capital invested in farming. Rural livelihoods have also been affected as the rural exodus led people (including farmers) to migrate to urban areas for employment. In recent years, the post-productivist approach to agriculture has encouraged a more sustainable approach to farming by adopting extensive farming as well as diversification. This study used a qualitative approach using in de...

Exploring household dynamics for recycling in the United Kingdom

Farm diversification in a dairying region: the example of Sud Manche, Western France

Factors Affecting Incidence of Peanut Allergy: Priorities for Research and Policy

Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2008

Peanut exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding and complementary feeding: perceptions of practices in four countries

by Anna Strada, Annabelle Boulay, and Gene Rowe

International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2014

ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular conc... more ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular concern, given that this is rarely outgrown and may be associated with life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, it is unclear what factors are responsible for a perceived increase in prevalence rates. One matter on which scientists agree, however, is that exposure to peanuts early in life is significant – although whether early exposure protects or sensitizes to allergy is unclear. There is no significant research that currently records differences in early life exposure either within or between populations. This exploratory study makes a first step in this direction using focus groups conducted in four countries with disparate ‘peanut experiences’ to characterize early exposure in these. The ultimate aim is to help in the development of a survey instrument to attain nationally representative samples of consumers and hence to use the results from this to compare with allergy prevalence data collected in other parts of the European Union-funded ‘EuroPrevall’ project. The results in this study not only reveal considerable similarities across countries (e.g. in terms of lack of knowledge of guidelines; lack of changes in feeding behaviour during/after pregnancy, feelings that diet variety in children is important) but also one or two interesting and potentially important differences, such as increased consumption in Bulgarian (and some Spanish) breastfeeding mothers because of the ability of peanuts to facilitate lactation. Study limitations and future study intentions are also discussed.

Characteristics of the peanut chain in Europe - implications for peanut allergy

Acta scientiarum polonorum. Technologia alimentaria

Peanuts are one of the main food allergens, occasionally responsible for life-threatening reactio... more Peanuts are one of the main food allergens, occasionally responsible for life-threatening reactions. Thus, many studies have tried to fi nd a connection between peanut allergy prevalence and processes in the peanut chain that may contribute to the peanut allergenicity. To inform this discussion, this paper outlines experiences in peanut cultivation, trade and processing in Europe, focusing on four European countries with different peanut experiences (Poland, Bulgaria, Spain and the UK). Results here are based on documentary analysis and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 32 experts involved in various stages of the peanut chain, including peanut farmers, processors, traders, food technologists and manufacturers. A common peanut chain diagram has been drawn considering shelled and in-shell peanuts. The analysis of each stage of peanut processing has been made in accordance with this peanut chain schema. Thermal and mechanical processes are discussed alongside the resultant...

Peanut exposure during pregnancy, breastfeeding and complementary feeding: perceptions of practices in four countries

International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2014

ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular conc... more ABSTRACT Food allergy is an increasing problem worldwide. Allergy to peanuts is a particular concern, given that this is rarely outgrown and may be associated with life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, it is unclear what factors are responsible for a perceived increase in prevalence rates. One matter on which scientists agree, however, is that exposure to peanuts early in life is significant – although whether early exposure protects or sensitizes to allergy is unclear. There is no significant research that currently records differences in early life exposure either within or between populations. This exploratory study makes a first step in this direction using focus groups conducted in four countries with disparate ‘peanut experiences’ to characterize early exposure in these. The ultimate aim is to help in the development of a survey instrument to attain nationally representative samples of consumers and hence to use the results from this to compare with allergy prevalence data collected in other parts of the European Union-funded ‘EuroPrevall’ project. The results in this study not only reveal considerable similarities across countries (e.g. in terms of lack of knowledge of guidelines; lack of changes in feeding behaviour during/after pregnancy, feelings that diet variety in children is important) but also one or two interesting and potentially important differences, such as increased consumption in Bulgarian (and some Spanish) breastfeeding mothers because of the ability of peanuts to facilitate lactation. Study limitations and future study intentions are also discussed.

Salt. UK consumers’ perceptions and consumption patterns

Appetite, 2013

Infant feeding and allergy prevention: a review of current knowledge and recommendations. A EuroPrevall state of the art paper

Allergy, 2009

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

by Annabelle Boulay, Roser Sala, Julie Houghton, and Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka

Allergy, 2008

Peanuts are extensively cultivated around the world, providing a foodstuff that is both cheap to ... more Peanuts are extensively cultivated around the world, providing a foodstuff that is both cheap to produce and nutritious. However, allergy to peanuts is of growing global concern, particularly given the severity of peanut-allergic reactions, which can include anaphylaxis and death. Consequently, it is important to understand the factors related to the prevalence of peanut allergy in order to inform efforts to ameliorate or pre-empt the condition. In this article we review evidence for the relevance of factors hypothesized to have some association with allergy prevalence, including both genetic and environmental factors. Although our analysis does indicate some empirical support for the importance of a number of factors, the key finding is that there are significant data gaps in the literature that undermine our ability to provide firm conclusions. We highlight these gaps, indicating questions that need to be addressed by future research.

A characterization of peanut consumption in four countries: results from focus groups and their implications for peanut allergy prevalence

by Annabelle Boulay, Roser Sala, Julie Houghton, and Gene Rowe

International Journal of Consumer Studies, 2009

Rates of peanut allergy in the Western world have increased over the last 30 years, although it i... more Rates of peanut allergy in the Western world have increased over the last 30 years, although it is unclear why. While eating behaviours are likely to be connected to allergy prevalence, the precise relevant factors are uncertain. This study aimed to investigate dietary differences and changes in dietary habits in peanut consumption (in apparent and hidden forms) in four different countries (Bulgaria, Poland, Spain, UK), specifically chosen because of their different ‘peanut experiences’. Focus groups revealed a common perception that dietary habits have become less healthy, with more consumption of processed foods and an increase in snacking. In addition, ethnic cuisine was perceived to have had an important impact on European eating habits, while participants identified an increase in consumption of more ‘exotic’ forms of peanuts and their products. These findings point to an increase in exposure to peanuts, particularly in hidden forms, that superficially parallels increased prevalence rates. However, it was also clear that participants lacked knowledge about the composition of food and non-food products. The dietary trends identified here thus warrant further quantitative investigation, particularly in the context of differential national patterns of allergy prevalence – data on which is currently being gathered within the EC-funded EuroPrevall project.

A EuroPrevall review of factors affecting incidence of peanut allergy: priorities for research and policy

by Małgorzata Schlegel-Zawadzka, A. Strada, Annabelle Boulay, and Julie Houghton

Allergy, 2008

MYTH OR REALITY? DIVERSIFICATION IN THE DAIRY AREAS OF MANCHE, FRANCE AND DORSET, BRITAIN.

Innovations in Rural Areas, Jan 1, 2003

MYTH OR REALITY? DIVERSIFICATION IN THE DAIRY AREAS OF MANCHE, FRANCE AND DORSET, BRITAIN. Annabe... more

Farm diversification in a dairying region: the example of Sud Manche, Western France

ORGANIC FARMING: A SOLUTION TO AGRICULTURE CRISIS OR A NEW TREND TO HEALTHY EATING? AN OVERVIEW OF FRENCH AND BRITISH …

Revija za geografijo-Journal for Geography, Jan 1, 2010

A characterization of peanut consumption in four countries: results from focus groups and their implications for peanut allergy prevalence

by Annabelle Boulay and Julie Houghton

International …, Jan 1, 2009