Shaping territorial agri-food systems through social innovations: The example of Valposchiavo, Switzerland

Valposchiavo, Switzerland, exemplifies how territorial agri-food systems can emerge as social innovations that challenge conventional corporate food governance. This study highlights the development of a 100% Valposchiavo approach, characterized by diverse local collaborations and a strong emphasis on organic agriculture, as a novel multi-actor setting within its territorial agri-food system. The research identifies an innovative governance strategy aimed at achieving certification as an organic region, signaling a proactive shift toward sustainability. To uncover these insights, the study employed a territorial social innovation framework, combining existing interviews with problem-centered fieldwork. This approach underscores the potential of social innovations to revalorize local resources and shape sustainable territorial development.

Froning, P., & Stotten, R. (2024). Shaping territorial agri-food systems through social innovations: The example of Valposchiavo, Switzerland. Rivista Di Economia Agraria, 79(1), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.36253/rea-14833