The Role of Sense of Place in the Recovery of Local Food Systems in Bioregional Contexts. Challenges and Opportunities.

Regenerating Local Food Systems (LFS) – also known as City-Region Food Systems (CRFS) or foodsheds – can bolster local socio-economic self-reliance and promote sense of belonging, place attachment, and stewardship among inhabitants of local communities. LFS are particularly effective within an urban bioregion framework which underpins and fosters the recovery of a co-evolutionary relationship between human settlements and the surrounding territory / ecosystems. LFS are key factors in reinterpreting global/local relationships and in referring to the food-production/consumption system as a viable tool for reclaiming the metabolic, cultural, and economic relationships between local societies, their inhabitants, and their resources. LFS sustain a sense of belonging and attachment to place values and to local heritage as underpinning elements for a fair and sustainable transition. We describe some initiatives in Tuscany, focusing on innovative, participative tools such as Food Communities and Organic Districts – institutionally established, but dependent on the commitment of inhabitants, consumers and stakeholders – and on bottom-up, place-based, re-inhabiting practices (Lucca Food Plain, SlowFood Presidia and Quality & Services (public catering service). In conclusion, we highlight key challenges to and potential benefits of LFS enhancing self-reliant, sustainable foodsheds in urban bioregions and stimulating innovative tools to integrate spatial planning and agri-food policy.