(Re)Commoning Food and Food Systems. The Contribution of Social Innovation from Solidarity Economy

Adanella Rossi, Mario Coscarello and Davide Biolghini
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Adanella Rossi: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Mario Coscarello: Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Davide Biolghini: Forum Cooperazione e Tecnologia, 20146 Milano, Italy

Agriculture, 2021, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-30

Abstract: The need for a transition to sustainable food systems is widely recognised. Over the last three decades, movements have been demanding and proposing a radical transformation, foregrounding the social values of food. Experiences inspired by solidarity economy have given rise to highly innovative pathways, grounded on the redefinition of the food-related values and practices and the reconstruction of local, community-based food systems by referring to social and ecological sustainability. One can usefully draw from these experiences for identifying challenges, opportunities and benefits and for analysing the most effective modes of action leading to the creation of alternatives. Capturing and supporting this innovation is particularly important when looking at the opportunities offered by local food policies. This significantly involves the meanings, goals and forms that food governance takes on. The paper aims at investigating these aspects, reading the initiatives inspired by SE principles as an example of social innovation. Their engagement in re-signifying food in terms of “commons” and in “commoning” food systems constitutes a complementary key of analysis. Focusing on the Italian context, the paper draws on many years of qualitative research and direct involvement in these initiatives. The analysis provides useful insights about the potential for change existing in society and invites us to develop reflexivity on how local food policies capture the opportunity for a re-politicisation of food-related issues.

Keywords: solidarity economy; social innovation; grassroots innovation; food governance; food as commons; food re-commonification; communing; re-politicisation of food (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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