Integrating Local Food Policies and Spatial Planning to Enhance Food Systems and Rural–Urban Links: A Living Lab Experiment

Francesca Galli (), Sabrina Arcuri, Giovanni Belletti, Andrea Marescotti, Michele Moretti and Massimo Rovai
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Francesca Galli: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Sabrina Arcuri: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Andrea Marescotti: Department of Economics and Management, University of Florence, 59100 Florence, Italy
Michele Moretti: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
Massimo Rovai: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 12, 1-23

Abstract: The development of synergies between rural and urban areas is one of the EU’s objectives to contribute to smart and inclusive growth. Effective governance of rural–urban links is essential for balanced development but often lacks policy coherence. This study examines the role of spatial planning and food policy integration in enhancing local food system sustainability and resilience, specifically in peri-urban areas. It investigates challenges and enablers in this integration through a Living Lab experiment in Lucca (Italy) as part of the ROBUST H2020 project. The Living Lab methodology entailed envisioning, experimenting, and experiencing phases to identify key rural–urban connections and assess governance arrangements, focusing on reclaiming abandoned land in peri-urban areas together with local stakeholders. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of a multi-year collaborative research approach, the research highlights a weak recognition of rural–urban linkages and the need for improved dialogue between rural stakeholders and urban planners. Key recommendations comprise formalising public–private partnerships and cross-sectoral projects linking agriculture with education, tourism, and landscape (e.g., agricultural parks).

Keywords: rural–urban links; food policy; peri-urban agriculture; land use planning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:12:p:2014-:d:1529620

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