Vol. 79 No. 1 (2024)
Research Articles

Insights into the agroecological transition: the case of two Italian bio-districts

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  • Giovanni Dara Guccione,
  • Laura Vigano,
  • Alberto Sturla,
  • Alessandra Vaccaro,
  • Luca Colombo,
  • Tiziana Pirelli,
  • Francesca Varia
Giovanni Dara Guccione
CREA – Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy
Laura Vigano
CREA – Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy
Alberto Sturla
CREA – Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy
Alessandra Vaccaro
CREA – Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy
Luca Colombo
FIRAB Italian Foundation for Research in Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture
Tiziana Pirelli
CREA – Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy
Francesca Varia
CREA – Research Centre for Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/rea-14241

Published 2024-05-14 — Updated on 2024-04-22

Keywords

  • agroecology,
  • organic farming,
  • bio-district,
  • local development,
  • sustainability

How to Cite

Dara Guccione, G., Vigano, L., Sturla, A., Vaccaro, A., Colombo, L., Pirelli, T., & Varia, F. (2024). Insights into the agroecological transition: the case of two Italian bio-districts. Italian Review of Agricultural Economics (REA), 79(1), 97–111. https://doi.org/10.36253/rea-14241

Copyright (c) 2024 Giovanni Dara Guccione, Laura Viganò, Alberto Sturla, Alessandra Vaccaro, Luca Colombo, Tiziana Pirelli, Francesca Varia

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Bio-districts are a specific form of aggregation which are particularly effective in implementing a multi-stakeholder, environmentally conscious, and place-based approach to food system sustainability. Bio-districts may facilitate the agroecological transition of the local food systems. The aim of this paper is to provide recommendations on how to promote the adoption of the agroecological approach through bio-districts, by analysing farmers’ propensity towards agroecology, framing the level of attainement in the transition pathway, and shedding light on the barriers to the broader diffusion of agroecology. A qualitative comparative case study approach has been developed in two bio-districts in Italy. Based on the findings, farmers show a propensity to adopt the agroecological approach, However, a series of barriers have prevented reaching the top level of agroecological transition, especially the need for the adaptation of machinery, a shortage of skilled advisors for knowledge transfer, and poor community awareness. The findings suggest that there is urgent need to face policy, governance-related, and market-related challenges. This study lays the groundwork for the integration of the agroecological approach in the implementation of key policy instruments such as the Italian Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan and the European Union Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production.

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