Food chain concept evolution in food policy

Introduction: The objective of this paper is to analyse the development of food chain concept in rural and food policy context and to explore its interconnections with other socio-economic policy areas at European, Italian and regional level. Food chain concept was firstly used as a private sector concept applied in order to optimise chain organisation and to create value along the chain. The typologies of actors involved in food chains were then expanded so to involve agents with interest in the governance and control of the process in food sector and rural spaces. Currently food chain policy is often the result of a negotiating process involving many stakeholders, such as private enterprises, consumers, farmers, associations and intermediaries, universities and research centres. Method: The analysis will focus on a comparative analysis of programming documents, legislation, regulations, white papers, technology platform documents, negotiated territorial planning documents at European, Italian and Emilia-Romagna regional level. Results: Documents analysis shows that food chain concept is mainly used in food policy strategy documents, but is increasingly adopted as a theoretical instrument for territorial and rural policy documents. This is registered at different policy making and implementation levels, that is European Union, Italian government, regional governments. In addition, it is evident how food chain policy impacts on an increasing number of economic sectors, planning levels and interest groups. Discussion: Food chain interconnections with other socio-economic policy areas leads the discussion towards a rethinking of which sectors, what stakeholders, what time scales, what territorial levels should be taken in consideration in food chain and food policy making and implementation. In particular, involvement should be extended to socio-economic dimensions, sectors and actors working on landscape and architecture, territory, urban planning and environment, culture and entertainment, health and wellness, tourism and restaurants, social responsibility, trust and values, education and training.