Highlights • Food policy integration is needed for a transition to sustainable food systems • We develop a policy framework that links the policy cycle to transition theories • The evolution of Food and Nutrition Security through the CAP cycles is analysed • A map of food-related policy instruments is developed to assess synergies and gaps • Effective food policy needs to be system-oriented and knowledge-integrated

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This article aims at analyzing the innovation potential of a local food network, which sees different actors that cooperate to build a local organic food production-provision system and progressively develop a broader mobilization on food issues, health and sustainability. The case analyzed is that of Crisoperla, an association located in Italy, between Tuscany and Liguria, which involves organic farmers, social farming and fishermen cooperatives, consumers’ groups and association and agronomists. The analysis is based on the empirical data collected in the 3-year European project SOLINSA (FP7, 2011–2014). The focus is on the role of organic farming and organic food as a boundary object, a binder element around which actors involved work in order to develop common visions, languages and goals and organize their activities. These processes are, in fact, at the basis of the organizational consolidation of the association as well as of the growth of its political awareness and its willingness and capacity to interact with the outside both at local and higher levels

Recently, the interpretation of the innovation process has changed significantly. Its linear model has evolved to a dynamic and ongoing participatory approach where cooperation, oriented to generate co-ownership, is the essence to co-produce knowledge among multiple actors. Farmers’ direct participation in the process is widely accepted since they contribute with first-hand information, perceptions, field experiences, and feedback that are essential for the design and implementation of a project. The European Union encourages their participation through the European Rural Development Policy that promotes competitiveness and sustainability in the agriculture and forestry sectors, building bridges among heterogeneous stakeholders that complement each other to find an innovative solution to a given problem. Thus far, despite participation importance, few details have been provided about producer’s contributions within the process. Consequently, this paper attempts to explore the modus operandi of an Italian Operational Group to get insights about the farmers’ participation and identify the factors that could influence and foster the interactive innovation process. The results, based on a participatory observation, key informants’ interviews, and theory reflection, revealed that farmers are active players in the design and implementation phases. Yet, their participation is not constant throughout the entire process. Empower them to find solutions with different players is a complex challenge as it requires motivation, commitment, trust, and an open communication among different actors.

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