Noronha, Teresa deNijkamp, PeterNoronha, Teresa deNijkamp, PeterRastoin, J. L.2014-06-162014-06-162008Vaz, M. T. N.; Nijkamp, P. “The complex force field of traditional food systems: scoping the scene”, In Traditional Food Production facing Sustainability: A European Challenge, 3-10, London, United Kingdom: Ashgate, Economic Geography Series, 2008.AUT: MTV00577;http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/4328Europe has many market niches where traditional forms of production are still dominant. The geographic variety of Europe certainly stimulates the existence of diverse niches with a clear local colour and identity. Even in the age of mass production and consumption such pockets of often place-bound products have not disappeared. Rather, they are enjoying a comeback, as the public at large is increasingly looking for goods with indigenous or specific qualities. Traditional production modes – as one of the valuable legacies from the past that are socially and economically active throughout history – appear to have a strong chance of survival. History was responsible for generating several – currently – low-tech activities whose survivors still have a place, albeit sometimes modest, in our contemporary society. This holds in particular for the food sector, which has gained much popularity in recent years.engbook part2014-06-12