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This paper analyses the relationship between food system dynamics with consumer behaviors, in population within a protected mountain area in Italy. In order to obtain socioeconomic and nutritional data, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research was employed to group farmers, local authorities, and inhabitants. Our research highlighted the close relationship between local food productive sector with consumption habits of local communities. The experience of the Majella National Park can be taken as an example of promoting environmentally friendly agriculture that enhances food quality, increases resource management and preserves local cultural heritage.

Motta San Niceto and its castle represent an important resource asheritage for the neighbouring territories; therefore, the Castle of San Niceto, in the course of the centuries, was an important fortress for the defence of the people and collection point of resources. The historical interaction between the territories and the castle, as demonstrated by the various historical sources, has allowed us to develop a hypothesis for the development of the resources of the Ionic calabrese area; historically this area has been part of the so-called barony of San Niceto that included the areas of Motta San Giovanni, Montebello Ionico, Saline, Bocale, Pellaro, Valanidi. This paper directs the attention toward the local products, which represent the historical identity and source of wealth for the territories. After an analysis on best practices and on the characteristic area concerned, the project defines the objectives and actions (tangible and intangible) of the hypothesis of intervention; this idea finds its realization in the creation of a pole in which promote cultural activities for the knowledge of local products and the history of the territories. After the definition of the characteristics of the project, that is developed in two different scenarios, it becomes necessary to check the sustainability of the initiative through the feasibility study.

The paper is based upon the results of research developed in the frame of an INTERREG IIIA Project on small-scale agricultural productions and local development in the Douro-Duero region of Portugal and Spain, involving researchers from the Universities of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and Salamanca. The paper reflects the results of survey and observation work looking at the roles of restaurants, the importance of local fairs and markets, and the interest of visitors and tourists in local quality agrifood products. The following major conclusions are presented: local shops have little interest in acquiring these products directly from farmers; traditional gastronomy is a privileged way of promoting the valorisation of local quality agrifood products; tourism in the area has potential but it still quite incipient, but visitors and tourists look to buy these products.