Food districts are a crucial component of sustainable development, economic prosperity and environmental protection. Here is the birth of a strong subject with a strong territorial impact at the service of our territory
Edited by: Patrizio Dolcini, National Councillor of Legambiente and happy resident of Oltrepò
On Tuesday, 30 January, the Regional Council unanimously voted on the Draft Law on the ‘promotion of actions for the sustainability of the agri-food system carried out by food districts‘.
Beyond the technical terms written in ‘bureaucratic‘, this act is extremely important as it promotes and supports the activities of existing districts and paves the way for the establishment of new districts in the region. There are some critical points, including the absence of representation of associations and professional orders in the planned Regional Council of Districts, but that said, it is an important step and an opportunity to be seized.
Opportunities especially for an area like our Oltrepò. The Food District is a flywheel for the agri-food system and a tool for participation and promotion of the territory that allows networking not only between companies, but between companies and the territory, involving administrations and associations.
The role of the District in Oltrepò is not only to enhance our agri-food products and related supply chains (not least slow and sustainable tourism), but also to promote our biodiversity and climate change resilience actions, primarily, as well as the valorisation and sustainable use of water resources. In addition, special attention will be paid to projects for the repopulation and recovery of villages, the recovery of traditional knowledge and jobs, and social cohesion actions.
The fact that the promotional committee for our district includes, alongside an important business promotion organisation such as Colline ed Oltre Spa, the Touring Club, a number of administrations and the main associations, from Legambiente to Slow Food, is a guarantee of a mix of skills, representations and sensitivities that finally allow Oltrepò too to form a network with common goals, breaking down the mistrust and resistance that have hindered its proper valorisation.
Now, with the new regional law, the path to recognition has been paved, and meeting and promotion initiatives in the area will begin in early spring.
