The Italian Network for Local Food Policies is being promoted by a group of academic, scientific and independent researchers, from different Italian cities engaged in multiple ways in research activities related to "local food policies".The Network proposes to focus research efforts towards the transformation of the food system and the territory, through an approach that aims to link research and action in a critical manner, reflecting on our roles and responsibilities. The objective is to provide suggestions in terms of policy-making to guide choices toward sustainable food systems.

The University of Naples “L’Orientale” will host this encounter from 23 to 24 January entitled ‘’Between analysis and projects: towards local food policies in Italy’’. The encounter will be composed by plenaries, participatory discussions on governance and perspectives and by workshops on the technical and practical aspects of food local policies. 

Considering the spirit that animated the Network from the beginning, it was considered useful to set up the meeting to leave ample space for debate and mutual learning. The members believe that it is important to strengthen the networking capacity of the Network itself, which, being recently established, needs to be fed with further moments of collective exchange.

The outcomes of the meeting are expected to be linked with the sections that we have identified as themes for the work tables:

1. Analysis and mapping and food systems

2. Transformation of urban space and the territory linked to new food economies and practices

3. Governance of local food policies: participatory tools, partnerships, technical tasks

4. Food movements and alternative networks

5. Evaluation and monitoring of policies and projects

This encounter will also serve to structure the Network in view of future development, first of all the Cluster of applied research on cities on local food policies. Finally, the definition of working groups will help the exchange between researchers on related subjects, feeding the possibilities of research and cultural and scientific exchanges.

You are invited to present contributions that analyze the experiences of food policies or attempts to create construction routes - from the bottom up or from the administrations.  Contributions are also accepted that highlight the transition experiences of food systems starting from individual initiatives / packages of initiatives or specific priorities (eg food waste, food poverty, urban agriculture, public health, etc.).  Contributions that deepen, from a theoretical or methodological point of view, the links between food and territory with a view to local development, referring to the framework of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals are also welcome.  
There is a call for abstracts in which there is the possibility to take part in two ways: Either through the presentation of an abstract (by 10 December) or of a poster (by 20 December).

Click here to read the Manifesto of the Network