Alternative Food Networks in Milan, the case study of L’Alveare che dice sì. Potentialities and limitations.

The present work aims at providing a general analysis of the current agrifood system, underlying the differences between the mainstream global system, which reduces food to a good with a defined economic value and sell it through big companies and supermarkets, and the numerous alternative food networks which oppose to this commodification process, offering different approaches to food production, distribution and consumption. After a broad overview, the research will focus on the metropolitan city of Milan, and in particular on the platform L’Alveare che dice sì, a digital food network based on short supply chain. The study is based on the qualitative data emerging from semi-structured interviews with people purchasing their food through this network, met during participant observation at the distribution sites. The goal of the chosen methodology is to bring out the motivations, values and ideas of a diverse group of participants, analysing their perceptions of alternative food networks and drawing the profile of an ideal agrifood system. Finally, the research will situate the obtained results within a broader framework, considering its proper limits and offering insights for future research.