agriculture Article (Re)Commoning Food and Food Systems. The Contribution of Social Innovation from Solidarity Economy Adanella Rossi 1,*, Mario Coscarello 2 and Davide Biolghini 3 1 Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy 2 Department of Political and Social Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
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[email protected] Abstract: The need for a transition to sustainable food systems is widely recognised. Over the last three decades, movements have been demanding and proposing a radical transformation, foregrounding the social values of food. Experiences inspired by solidarity economy have given rise to highly innovative pathways, grounded on the redefinition of the food-related values and practices and the reconstruction of local, community-based food systems by referring to social and ecological sustainability. One can usefully draw from these experiences for identifying challenges, opportunities and benefits and for analysing the most effective modes of action leading to the creation of alternatives. Capturing and supporting this innovation is particularly important when looking at the opportunities offered by local food policies. This significantly involves the meanings, goals and forms that food governance takes on. The paper aims at investigating these aspects, reading the initiatives inspired by SE principles as an example of social innovation. Their engagement Citation: Rossi, A.; Coscarello, M.; in re-signifying food in terms of “commons” and in “commoning” food systems constitutes a Biolghini, D. (Re)Commoning Food and Food Systems. The Contribution complementary key of analysis. Focusing on the Italian context, the paper draws on many years of of Social Innovation from Solidarity qualitative research and direct involvement in these initiatives.