Innovating rural welfare in the context of civicness, subsidiarity and co-production: Social Farming

The debate on the welfare crisis is not always considered within the rural development debate, at least at EU level. However, in the meanwhile, a strong crisis of public services is emerging on the ground as a crucial issue concerning the economic development. As a consequence of the global economic regime the creation and distribution of value according with the Market/State divide does not seem to represent anymore the social and the economic engine at EU scale. The article explores some new concepts of the definition of an innovative welfare based on a diverse collaboration between State, civil society and private sector. In this perspective, and according with the Italian experience, the concept of social farming and the principles of subsidiarity, co-production and civil economy that are behind are explored. Some lessons emerge regarding methods and innovative concepts for the quick promotion of pathways of transition. As the article states this is a possible mission when public and private actors are willing to act in the direction of change. What is also clear is that rural development is not anymore an issue just of economic development and that policies should better explore policies able to support social sustainability in rural areas.