The 2013 Summer Institute that took place in Bertinoro, Italy, was hosted by the University of Bologna, Department of Agro-food Science and Technology (UNIBO) and the University Residential Centre of Bertinoro (CEUB). The two week summer school was comprised of both workshops and field trips that allowed students and faculty members to explore this year’s topic–—Agri-food systems and rural development: tradition, innovation and green governance. We explored various concepts, issues, and questions relating to this theme using Italy as a central example, which was compared to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, Norway, and other ‘Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’ (OECD) countries. The journey began!!!!