The integration of food policies in a local administration system: the case of the Milan food policy

摘要

ABSTRACT The city of Milan has developed a local food policy since 2014 which today is considered one of the most important food policies in Italy and a best practice at the international level. The aim of this research is to analyze the process that led to the implementation of the Milan food policy as a contribution to the agroecological transition of urban systems. The methods used to analyze this policy process (2014–2021), through the policy cycle framework, are a content analysis of key documents, interviews with key stakeholders and the analysis of lived experiences. The research highlights key information on the agenda setting, the policy formulation, the policy adoption, and the policy implementation, trying to break down the process, understand drivers, strengths, and challenges. The study highlights that institutionalization of the food policy has been the key to its success. Main results show that the engagement of international stakeholders and private funders have been important drivers of the agenda setting and formulation of the policy, while the presence of institutionalized policy entrepreneurs, as a permanent staff dedicated to food policies, was pivotal in the adoption of the policy and implementation of projects. The research also shows that the institutionalization, however, caused a lack of participative and cooperative policy development spaces, both with other departments of the Municipality and external local stakeholders, which resulted in their involvement for project design and consultation only.