The role of social innovation and biodiversity preservation in public and private food procurement in urban areas

This chapter analyses the case studies identified by the Università degli Studi di Bari within the area of expertise biodiversity preservation and innovation acceptability, with the aim to outline the role of social innovation and biodiversity preservation in public and private food procurement in urban areas. In the first part, the analysis of the case studies Semi di Vita and Avanzi Popolo 2.0 focuses on on the main activities/actions inside different social agriculture projects that create training and job opportunities to disadvantaged people, and initiatives for the redistribution of unsold food and reduction of food waste. The second part analyses the case studies Biosolequo Coop AR.L., Azienda Agricola Pasquale Ferrara and Azienda ortofrutticola Egnathia, highlighting the main activities/actions carried out to enhance preservation of biodiversity and diffusion of local/typical products. The third part analyses the case study Altereco in order to outline the role of social cooperatives implementing a legal model for agrifood production from innovative and alternative supply chains, through the the management of assets confiscated to the mafia. Finally, main conclusions and research perspectives are presented.