Urban and agricultural dynamics in the alpine corridor : dilution or affirmation of identity ?

Abstract : In the Alpine corridor, an area characterised by strong urbanisation dynamics, alongside classical types of agriculture where extensile areas are given over to the dominant types of production, more diverse forms of agriculture are emerging or taking hold. These are based on activities that may have a linkage function, bringing into contact towns and mountain areas, urban residents and nature. The first of these agricultural types contributes above all to the legibility of the region's special characteristics (landscape, products), while the second may participate in constructing an identity based on these characteristics. It is a role that is not always expected of agriculture, one in which a certain number of farmers are already becoming involved and which may be necessary for the emergence and affirmation of the « regional alpine town ».Janin Claude, Perron Loïc. Urban and agricultural dynamics in the alpine corridor : dilution or affirmation of identity ?. In: Revue de géographie alpine, tome 93, n°4, 2005. Agricultures et dynamique des villes alpines, sous la direction de Claude Janin et Philippe Fleury. pp. 47-58