Multifunctionality in Agriculture. New Productive Paths in the Primary Sector.

This paper focuses on alternative productive paths in the primary sector in the framework of the transition from a farm business development model to a multifunctional paradigm. Analysis will be made of the connection between the rural world and tourism in the framework of European Union regional policies, along with the meaning of healthy local food as conceived by the rural tourist as a symbolic link to the culture and heritage of the holiday destination. Thus our focus will be concentrated on a special type of the tourist experience such as fishing tourism as managed in the Apulian coastal areas, in South Italy, a typology fully encompassed by multi-faceted activities related to the primary sector. The paper will point out how alternative rural tourist networks can enhance sustainable development paths especially in lagging areas within the framework of rural regeneration and endogenous dynamics as highlighted in local food system literature.