Discussing and applying TAPE in a diverse mountain agroecosystem
The Swiss TAPELINE research territory is the canton of Valais. While a canton is primarily an administrative unit, Valais is defined as much by its geography as by its borders: enclosed between two mountain chains that act as barriers to Atlantic and Mediterranean weather systems, the territory experiences varied microclimates, but generally dry summers and cold winters. Although the region is home to two different languages French in the west and German in the east it has a strong local identity rooted in its heritage and landscapes.
When it comes to its food system, the Valais region represents a particularly interesting case for several reasons. Not only is there a high diversity of farming systems, but also a unique richness of PDO products. While some strongly developed regional projects already exist,
actors particularly appreciate TAPELINE's networking efforts.
On 12 March, the Swiss TAPELINE team convened the Multi-Actor Platform for the first time to discuss the following questions:
- What do you imagine the Valais food system to look like by 2040?
- How will production and consumption evolve?
- And how can we ensure a varied diet?
Although participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, a shared understanding of priorities for an agroecological food system transformation in Valais emerged. These priorities include the introduction of climate-resilient plant species, a more plant-based diet, and easier access to land to support generational renewal.
Although participants came from a wide range of backgrounds, a shared understanding of priorities for an agroecological food system
transformation in Valais emerged. These priorities include the introduction of climate-resilient plant species, a more plant-based diet, and easier access to land to support generational renewal.
What’s Next?
Later this month, on 20 May, a smaller core group of the Multi-Actor Platform will meet again to begin distilling these fields of action into a draft strategic roadmap for the region. This work will be further strengthened by a second actors' group composed of members from the
German-speaking part of the canton. A draft roadmap will be presented and validated by the extended Multi-Actor Platform at the Foire du Valais a local trade fair with a focus on agriculture — taking place on 5 October.
Also in October (14–16), an inspirational study visit to the Bio Smart Valley Valposchiavo is
planned for a small group of selected actors. The valley is remarkable for its extraordinary
density of regional development projects, local value creation initiatives, and organic agriculture.
To further strengthen collaboration among local food system actors, our practice partner
Agroecology.net is organising a three-day facilitation workshop focused on project
development, taking place from 11 to 13 May. A first dissemination opportunity will take place on 22 June, in the form of a standalone event
ahead of the EURAF conference in Neuchâtel. The centrepiece of the event will be
contributions from two female farmers working in pastoralist contexts, as well as an
intervision workshop bringing together participants from diverse scientific and practitioner
backgrounds in agroforestry. The TAPELINE project will also be briefly presented.
To date, TAPE implementation has focused on farms active in meat production and landscape management with small ruminants, small and highly diversified vegetable farms, and Raclette PDO production. Among others, emerging themes include:
Reflections on land accessibility, especially for innovative and young farming projects —
not only for financial reasons but also due to governance questions
Questions raised about the compatibility of food production and certain traditional
breeds
The TAPELINE Valais team is excited to take these reflections further and to build on the strong stakeholder engagement already underway.
