Food Procurement and Short Food Value Chains. An Analysis of Case Studies in Public and Private Realms, the new book is out

Edited by Davide Fassi

This volume explores urban food systems by analysing short supply chains and public and private procurement practices.

Food Procurement and Short Food Value Chains. An Analysis of Case Studies in Public and Private Realms explores these systems through an analysis of short supply chains and public and private procurement practices. Developed within the PPP-URB (Public and Private Procurement and Short Food Value Chains in Urban Areas) project as part of the Onfoods research programme, which was funded by Italy’s PNRR, the volume represents one of the research outcomes coordinated by the Department of Design at the Politecnico di Milano.

Overview of peri-urban vegetable gardens of Bio Solequo Coop placed in Ostuni. Image taken from the essay "The role of social innovation and biodiversity preservation in public and private food procurement in urban areas" by Annalisa De Boni, Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano, Rocco Roma, Adriano Didonna, Onofrio Davide Palmitessa, Massimiliano Renna, Pietro Santamaria, Irene Canfora, Vito Leccese, Claudia Gesmundo.

Adopting a systemic and interdisciplinary approach, the book addresses the complexity of urban food systems and proposes innovative strategies for reorganising food procurement processes. Particular attention is given to university campuses, which are considered small territorial units that can influence local systems and serve as laboratories for sustainable experimentation.

Coltivando, the convivial garden at Politecnico di Milano. Photo by Polimi DESIS Lab. Image taken from the essay "Food as relational practices: reflecting on alternative food networks for university campuses" by Annalinda De Rosa.

Through the study of numerous national case studies, the book highlights the potential of short supply chains, the benefits of social innovation practices, the importance of biodiversity, the role of the circular economy in managing food waste and the opportunities offered by territorial marketing strategies. The research presents alternative production and consumption models that encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote sustainability and resilience in future urban food systems.

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