MAIA policy event report “Sustainable Food Systems: Bringing Farm to Fork into a Regional Perspective”

Summary

The MAIA 4th Policy Roundtable and 2nd Workshop on Sustainable Food Systems, held during EU Regions Week on October 8, 2024, explored the critical role of regional strategies in fostering short food supply chains to combat climate change. The event highlighted challenges, solutions, and collaborative efforts in aligning food systems with sustainability goals through policy innovation and stakeholder engagement.

Introduction

The global food supply chain is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with agriculture lagging behind other sectors in emission reductions. There is a pressing need for shorter food supply chains to reduce emissions, enhance food security, and promote local wellbeing. These systems can bring producers and consumers closer, minimising waste and transportation impacts while supporting regional economies.

Methodology

The event featured a hybrid format with a policy roundtable and a participatory workshop. Regional representatives, experts, and policymakers engaged in discussions to identify strategies for promoting local products, behavioural changes, and business models. Maria José Sanz, Scientific Director of the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) and Coordinator of the MAIA project, highlighted that the outcomes will contribute to the MAIA Working Group’s ongoing debate on sustainable food systems.

Strategies

Key strategies discussed included promoting regenerative agricultural practices, leveraging tools like the FABLE Calculator for data-driven policymaking, and fostering public-private partnerships. Clara Douzal from the FABLE Consortium presented on the use of analytical tools for simulating various scenarios and assessing policy impacts. The event also highlighted the importance of co-creation approaches to develop scalable solutions tailored to regional needs, as advocated by Nelson Ekane from the BEATLES project.

Barriers

Participants identified significant barriers such as fragmented data and initiatives, insufficient funding for sustainable practices, and “lock-ins” that hinder the transition to modern agricultural methods. Nelson Ekane discussed these “lock-ins” that keep the agricultural sector trapped in outdated production models. Challenges also included disparities in policy implementation across EU regions and limited incentives for small-scale farmers.

Enablers

Enablers included the integration of knowledge through platforms like MAIA’s connectivity hub, which facilitates information sharing among stakeholders. Additionally, key EU initiatives such as the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Access to European funds and collaborative networks were also identified as crucial for overcoming financial and systemic obstacles. Nikolai Pushkarev from Agora Agriculture presented on the need for a conducive environment that supports land users during the transition to sustainability. Other enablers identified included the transition to a more plant-based diet across Europe, and the restoration and incorporation of peatlands in agricultural management.

Outcomes and impacts

The roundtable reinforced the need for climate-smart practices and tools, as well as evidence-based policies informed by local realities. Maria Rosa Onofre from CCDR Alentejo showcased successful regional initiatives like Alentejo’s climate strategy while emphasizing the importance of aligning EU policies with the needs of vulnerable communities. Practical recommendations were also proposed to enhance sustainability in food systems.

The event provided a platform for participants to exchange knowledge, share regional success stories, and collaborate on solutions to overcome barriers. The shared vision for sustainable food systems and the role of energy communities in regional development provided a framework for long-term planning, assisting in the identification of actionable steps toward a more sustainable and resilient future for Europe.

Lessons learned

Key lessons included the necessity of flexible policies that adapt to local contexts, the value of stakeholder collaboration in overcoming systemic barriers, and the importance of funding and integrating technological tools for data-driven decisions. These insights pave the way for more effective climate adaptation strategies in agriculture across Europe.

For more outcomes from this event, see the event report.