L’evoluzione del sistema locale del Parmigiano Reggiano

The paper outlines the main changes that have occurred in the local system of the Filière Parmesan Cheese (FPR) in the last fifteen years, especially focusing on the dairy enterprises and their related networks. The paper stresses the complexity of the production system in its evolution, given the constraints arisen by the compliance of the common quality rules, combined with the research of effectiveness, both requiring a significant action of coordination. The role of the producers' coordination institutions is examined with regard production rules and quality control, underlining the crucial role in defining new common rules to assure clear quality standard along the food chain, where a growing division of labour engendered new activities of processing. New coordination tools are also examined with regard the implementation of an original allocation of right to produce able to respect the competition rules. The very relevant role of cooperation is highlighted, analysing the adaptation of cooperatives to the different markets but also the role of cooperation in supporting the activity in the most fragile areas of production such as those of the mountain.