How can cities future proof food systems?

Food systems are central to many aspects of people’s lives and embodies several dimensions (economic, social, cultural, environmental) which makes the mission to identify the right instruments for cities and individuals to support the food systems transition hardly complex.

The webinar “How can cities future-proof food systems?” was the occasion to launch the Energy Cities Hub “Future-proof food systems and land policies” aiming at exploring ways and strategies to accelerate the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems, and to build new territorial solidarity via land and food policy. 

A common reflection about the crucial role of cities in food systems transition was moderated by Energy Cities through an overview of inspiring examples from cities around Europe (Ghent, Belgium; Lille, France; Leuven, Belgium; Frankfurt, Germany; Cilento region, Italy; Valencia, Spain), committed in making the journey from “Farm to Fork” more sustainable.

After an analysis of the EU main food policies and strategies on sustainable food systems, the goals and policy priorities of the Hub have been shared. The will is to establish an open dialogue and a co-creation process to boost the transition towards sustainable food systems, with a focus on these main priorities:

• Promote sufficient and good food for all.
• Ensure access to land, water and healthy soils.
• Build fairer, shorter and cleaner supply chains.
• Increase municipalities actions to foster a future-proof and inclusive food system boosting: i) municipal farming; ii) local food supply chains; iii) a sustainable food culture; iv) food democracy.

As a guest speaker from the city of Albertville (member of Energy Cities), Sandrine Deternay shared the experience of the city, stressing the relevance of networking and cooperation among local governments.