Food Security Between New Economies, Biodiversity, Communities and Innovation
24.02 – 03.03 – 10.03 online17.03.2026 online and in person at Viale Pasubio 5, Milan
What is this about?
The food system is now at the center of major economic, social, and ecological transformations.
Amid climate crises, new inequalities, and technological innovation,
food becomes a strategic lever for rethinking supply chains, territories, and public policies.
Within this framework – and in continuity with the Cibo Insostenibile festival,
held in Milan on November 21–22, 2025 – the workshop series promoted by the interdepartmental center of the University of Milano-Bicocca Best4Food and by RISA – Interdisciplinary Network for Food Security, in collaboration with the Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation, aims to explore the food system as a strategic economic, social, and ecological infrastructure for transition.
The workshops (three online and one final in-person session) offer a dialogue among scholars, experts, and professionals to explore the role of biodiversity, agroecology, welfare systems, and emerging entrepreneurship in building more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local economies.
The Program
REGENERATING THE FOOD SYSTEM: BETWEEN TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Tuesday, February 24 | 5:00–6:00 PM | ONLINE
How can traditional knowledge and digital tools be combined to create shorter, more transparent, and sustainable supply chains?
A dialogue between innovative entrepreneurship and new consumption models to rethink the relationship between producers and consumers.
Speakers
Andrea Tognetti – Tognetti Farm Club, agricultural company committed to enhancing high-quality agri-food supply chains
Aryan Behzadi – Grutto.com, online platform connecting consumers directly with livestock farmers (speech in English)
→ Zoom registration and connection link
AGROECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS: BIODIVERSITY FOR THE RIGHT TO FOOD
Tuesday, March 3 | 5:00–6:00 PM | ONLINE
Protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental issue but also a concrete response to global food security.
This session will explore the link between agroecology, seed protection, and crop diversification as a productive architecture for resilient territories, capable of combining autonomy, resource regeneration, and new food economies grounded in proximity, social justice, and sustainability.
Speakers
Serena Cannistraci – European University Institute, Fiesole and RISA member
Michele Salvan – Rete Semi Rurali
Giuseppe De Santis – Rete Semi Rurali
→ Zoom registration and connection link
FOOD SECURITY AND HEALTH: TOWARDS NEW POLICIES FOR WELL-BEING AND PREVENTION
Tuesday, March 10 | 5:00–6:00 PM | ONLINE
What is the link between nutrition, public health, and food waste?
A discussion on the welfare system – hospitals, school canteens, and collective catering – as a strategic infrastructure capable of shaping not only individual behaviors, but also production chains and procurement policies.
Speakers
Maria Grazia Pacquola – Senior Consultant, Breast Unit Humanitas Rozzano
Carlo Scarsciotti – President of ANGEM (National Association of Collective Catering and Services)
→ Zoom registration and connection link
FOOD, DIGNITY, COMMUNITY: THE ROLE OF SOLIDARITY ECONOMIES
Tuesday, March 17 | 6:00–7:00 PM
IN PERSON – Giangiacomo Feltrinelli Foundation, Viale Pasubio 5, Milan
ONLINE – on Zoom
Access to food is a social issue even before it is an economic one.
A session dedicated to the concrete experiences of those who work every day to ensure food dignity for the most vulnerable people.
Speakers
Mani Tese Association
Marco Lucchini – Fondazione Banco Alimentare ETS and RISA member