Food Procurement and Short Food Value Chains. An Analysis of Case Studies in Public and Private Realms

Edited by Davide Fassi

The image is an abstract graphic background based on a very deep navy blue gradient. The composition maintains the stylistic consistency of the series, featuring minimalist and blurred geometric shapes: two large circles are positioned on the left side and the upper right, while a stylized radial shape (resembling a star or a sun) emerges from the bottom edge. The aesthetic is understated, modern, and professional, designed to convey a sense of elegance and technological order.

This volume explores urban food systems by analysing short supply chains and public and private procurement practices.

Food Procurement and Short Food Value Chains. An Analysis of Case Studies in Public and Private Realms explores these systems through an analysis of short supply chains and public and private procurement practices. Developed within the PPP-URB (Public and Private Procurement and Short Food Value Chains in Urban Areas) project as part of the Onfoods research programme, which was funded by Italy’s PNRR, the volume represents one of the research outcomes coordinated by the Department of Design at the Politecnico di Milano.

a landscape architecture and territorial regeneration project in a rural area. The scene shows a cultivated garden where numerous cylindrical blocks of straw or earth have been installed as structural and sculptural elements, arranged in regular rows. In the center of the field, some of these blocks support a lightweight circular canopy, creating a shaded seating area. In the background, the landscape is characterized by olive groves, white houses, and a monumental domed church, typical of the Mediterranean scenery.
Overview of peri-urban vegetable gardens of Bio Solequo Coop placed in Ostuni. Image taken from the essay "The role of social innovation and biodiversity preservation in public and private food procurement in urban areas" by Annalisa De Boni, Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano, Rocco Roma, Adriano Didonna, Onofrio Davide Palmitessa, Massimiliano Renna, Pietro Santamaria, Irene Canfora, Vito Leccese, Claudia Gesmundo.

Adopting a systemic and interdisciplinary approach, the book addresses the complexity of urban food systems and proposes innovative strategies for reorganising food procurement processes. Particular attention is given to university campuses, which are considered small territorial units that can influence local systems and serve as laboratories for sustainable experimentation.

The last image shows a lush urban garden consisting of several raised growing beds made of gray metal, neatly arranged on a green lawn. Various types of vegetables, including lettuce and kale, grow inside the containers, while in the background, red rose bushes, fruit trees, and wooden support structures for climbing plants can be seen. The setting suggests a sustainable community farming project integrated into a well-kept green environment.
Coltivando, the convivial garden at Politecnico di Milano. Photo by Polimi DESIS Lab. Image taken from the essay "Food as relational practices: reflecting on alternative food networks for university campuses" by Annalinda De Rosa.

Through the study of numerous national case studies, the book highlights the potential of short supply chains, the benefits of social innovation practices, the importance of biodiversity, the role of the circular economy in managing food waste and the opportunities offered by territorial marketing strategies. The research presents alternative production and consumption models that encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote sustainability and resilience in future urban food systems.

The book is available in the FrancoAngeli open access catalog.

Contributions: Filippo Arfini, Irene Bassi, Camilla Borsani, Irene Canfora, Andrea Casson, Abhishek Dattu Narote, Annalisa De Boni, Annalinda De Rosa, Giovanna Del Gaudio, Daniele Del Rio, Adriano Didonna, Claudia Gesmundo, Valentina Giovenzana, Marianna Guareschi, Riccardo Guidetti, Vito Sandro Leccese, Veronica León-Bravo, Elena Lupolo, Palmitessa Onofrio Davide, Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano, Donatella Privitera, Stefano Quaglia, Massimiliano Renna, Rocco Roma, Pietro Santamaria, Alessandro Scuderi, Irene Selvaggio, Fabiana Sepe, Teresa Tugliani, Carla Zarbà

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