Communities > Front Runners
Valli Del Canavese, Italy
Geography & Identity
Sub-alpine area in North-West Italy (Metropolitan City of Turin), 6 municipalities (~70 km2). Known for terraced vineyards (Mombarone mountain, historic rural landscape, national designation), forests, grazing land, and Adriano Olivetti’s community model.
Demography
Following decades of sharp population loss (-14.5% since 1971 vs. -2.1% across Canavese), the region’s population of 7,347 has stabilized over the last five years. However, significant demographic challenges remain, including an aging ratio of 262 seniors per 100 youth. Although the newcomer rate lags behind regional averages (6% vs. 9%), influxes of amenity migrants offer new potential for repopulation.
Challenges
Abandonment of mountain vineyards, resulting in forest encroachment, terrace degradation, soil erosion, landslides and fire risks.
Risk of further biodiversity & cultural loss due to simplified vineyard techniques adopted by new farmers.
Small farm sizes limit access to rural development funds.
Climate change and new pests are introducing new challenges for agriculture and viticulture.
Need to show heritage landscape as an economic asset, not a burden or a simple externality.
Innovative Actions
Youth Fund: >150 youth-led projects, award-winning.
Smart Villages concept: scaled nationally via LEADER.
Emajõgi Network: ~60 organisations leveraging river-based tourism and heritage.
South Estonian Community Programme: part of EU Capital of Culture Tartu 2024.
E-Rural Resilience (Interreg CB): digitalisation of bio-businesses.
ESF+ projects: small-scale inclusion initiatives.
Planned Activities
Building on past Interreg “Route of Alpine Vineyards” successes in heritage restoration, food branding, and tourism promotion, local young farmers are advancing practices like short chains and multifunctional agriculture. REROOTED initiative scales up these efforts through an inspirational learning program for high school students and adults aged 18–40 (targeting future entrepreneurs with or without agricultural backgrounds). By featuring digital farming and startup-led Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), REROOTED connects young people with viable local careers and economic opportunities.
Region
Valli Del Canavese
Country
Italy
Region
ZAC! scs & Seardo Bianca Maria
