Territorial rural development strategies based on organic agriculture: the example of Valposchiavo, Switzerland

Remote mountain valleys can successfully counteract the disembedding effects of globalization through territorial rural development strategies rooted in organic agriculture. A case study of Valposchiavo, Switzerland, reveals that such approaches—centered on neo-endogenous development—strengthen local agro-food systems by fostering internal and external networks, establishing a territorial brand, and creating regional supply chains. This model enhances community well-being while mitigating globalization's negative impacts. The research employed document analysis, secondary interviews, and problem-centered interviews to explore these dynamics, offering a blueprint for sustainable rural development in marginalized regions.

Stotten, R., & Froning, P. (2023). Territorial rural development strategies based on organic agriculture: the example of Valposchiavo, Switzerland. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1182993