Local food is booming. And not just since the pandemic. Many see local food as a ray of hope in the fog of our globalized society. And they hope that buying local products will lead to sustainability. But what does local food really promise—and what doesn’t it?
“Region”is a flexible term. The word can refer to a small, easily comprehensible Alpine valley just as easily as it can to a global climate region
Even when it comes to “regional” foods, the boundaries are blurred. Regional foods come either from one’s own region, a neighboring region, or a specific region within one’s own country.
DEFINITIONS
Region: a contiguous area (e.g., a geographical, political, or economic unit)
Regionality: This term generally refers to the origin of food from a specific region, but there is no uniform definition.
Authentic regionality: describes food that comes from sustainable, regional supply chains
When a product is labeled as “regional,” it often raises expectations of a healthy, high-quality food product from the local area. Consumers place particular importance on the origin of their food when it comes to meat and eggs, as well as dairy products, sausage, ham, and fish.
However, there are no uniform standards or sustainability criteria for “regional foods.” The term “regional” also says nothing about how an animal was raised, fed, or slaughtered. For example, a “regional” product like Tyrolean bacon could come from pigs that were fattened on genetically modified feed from Brazil and slaughtered abroad.
Regional foods are not inherently free of pesticides, healthier, or more environmentally friendly. For that to be the case , producers must demonstrate— for example, through standardized labels— that they are committed to organic production.
The term “authentic regionality” refers to food products that come with a guarantee of origin and sustainability. An authentically regional product is produced in the region where it has cultural roots and where suitable climatic conditions prevail. Authentic regionality requires a sustainable cycle within the region, from the production of raw materials through to their processing.
The value created remains in the region, helping to counteract population outflow, conserve resources, and preserve culture; traditions are passed down to future generations. Authentic regionality must be linked to sustainability in every respect. The “Prüf Nach!” standard defines regionality in this way.
"Regio" (Latin) originally meant "territory." Industrialization changed people's relationship to their surroundings. This led to alienation and a subsequent return to one's homeland and region.
In the aftermath of World War I, there was a resurgence of regional cultures and political regionalism. After World War II, there was a deliberate effort to strengthen regional economic structures.
The 1970s: The region begins to attract attention
Since the 1970s, Western European countries have been taking steps toward decentralization, regionalization, and federalization—often enshrined in their constitutions. Independent regional development is being promoted, particularly in rural areas.
From European regions to a Europe of regions
Since 1985, Europe’s regions have been represented by the Assembly of Regions, established by the Council of Europe. The EU also provides economic and infrastructural support for cooperation between regions near national borders through the establishment of so-called “European regions.”
The 1992 Maastricht Treaty established an advisory Regional Committee was established. The political concept of a “Europe of the Regionsaims to further promote regions within EU member states and support their regional autonomy.