The Organic Fruit Breeding sector through the lens of Social Innovation Unpacking the transformational potential
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Published
23-04-2026
Mariagiulia Mariani
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3875-6383
Abstract
The shift from conventional to organic fruit farming, driven by EU policies and research initiatives, highlights the need for multi-trait varieties adapted to organic practices and specific local conditions. Genetic diversity and inclusive stakeholder participation are essential to advancing an effective agroecological transition. In this context, social innovation (SI) plays a key role in shaping successful organic fruit breeding (OFB) models. This article examines the transformative potential of different forms of SI in enhancing the sustainability of the OFB sector. Based on an analysis of 43 SI initiatives across 10 European countries, we demonstrate the relevance of SI across all stages of the OFB process—from genetic resource management to market integration. We identify distinct SI models based on governance structures and strategic orientations, analysing their ambition to contest and reshape the dominant OFB paradigm. Our findings show that inclusive stakeholder engagement and transformative knowledge exchange are crucial for assessing the scalability and institutionalisation of locally driven innovations, and thus their capacity to foster broader systemic change. A key contribution of SI lies in ensuring that societal goals remain central to technological development—maximising the impact of breeding, avoiding input-substitution approaches, and enhancing the transformative potential of organic practices. We conclude that diverse and complementary forms of SI collectively strengthen the OFB sector's capacity for transformation. Alongside more radical approaches, both institutionalised and market-oriented initiatives contribute to creating the enabling conditions necessary for a more sustainable and socially embedded transition in OFB.
How to Cite
Mariani, M., Ortolani, L. and Brunori, G. (2026) “The Organic Fruit Breeding sector through the lens of Social Innovation: Unpacking the transformational potential”, The International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food, 32(1), p. 105-. doi:10.48416/ijsaf.v31i1.737.
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Keywords
social innovations, organic fruit , participatory breeding , agrobiodiversity, transformational innovation
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Mariani, M., Ortolani, L. and Brunori, G. (2026) “The Organic Fruit Breeding sector through the lens of Social Innovation: Unpacking the transformational potential”, The International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food, 32(1), p. 105-. doi:10.48416/ijsaf.v31i1.737.
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