Born at the UN Food Systems Summit 2021. Growing Stronger in 2025.
Four years ago, at the inaugural UN Food Systems Summit, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) was born. Today, we return stronger, more united, and more impactful, to share how farmers markets are transforming food systems to be more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable. This return marks not only a milestone in our growth, but also a reaffirmation of our roots: our creation was one of the most impactful outcomes supported by the FAO’s Food Coalition, an initiative proposed by Italy in response to the pandemic.
From 27–29 July 2025, WorldFMC will participate in the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This pivotal event, co-hosted by the Governments of Ethiopia and Italy, brings together global leaders, governments, civil society, and innovators to assess progress and accelerate the transformation of food systems worldwide.
WorldFMC will proudly be represented by our President Richard McCharthy and Director General Carmelo Troccoli, ensuring that the voice of farmers markets is heard at the heart of these global discussions.
Putting Farmers Markets at the Center of Food Systems Transformation
On Tuesday, 29 July (13:00–14:15, Room CR-3), WorldFMC will co-host a dynamic panel titled: “Strengthening Urban–Rural Linkages through Local, Traditional, and Farmers Markets.”
More than sites of exchange, markets are vital food environments that connect rural producers to urban consumers, foster local economies, and build resilience to climate, social, and economic shocks. This session builds on the international recognition farmers markets received as one of ten priority projects selected by the Food Coalition to strengthen global food security and nutrition.
We will explore how farmers markets:
- Improve community diets and nutrition
- Drive fair revenues for smallholder and family farmers
- Empower women, youth, and marginalized urban populations
- Act as hubs for regenerative and inclusive governance
Session Highlights
The panel will open with remarks from Anacláudia Rossbach (UN-Habitat), Richard McCarthy (WorldFMC), and Dr. Romuald Wadagni (Republic of Benin), along with representatives from the Italian government.
Moderated by Dr. Ann Trevenen-Jones (GAIN), the conversation will feature global voices:
- Nuhad Sheikh, Tripoli Urban Farmers Market
- Ahranjani Behnoush, HealthBridge
- Mwakoi Sililo, Lusaka City Council
- Balance Phala, ICLEI World Secretariat
- Giaime Berti, Resilient Local Food Supply Chains Alliance
The session will conclude with reflections from Dr. Corinna Hawkes (FAO), highlighting how markets can be key to unlocking sustainable food systems globally.
Why This Matters
Farmers markets are living examples of food systems that nourish people, support local economies, and protect the planet. They create inclusive, community-driven solutions, bridging the gap between rural producers and urban consumers, and cultivating leadership, trust, and direct farmer-consumer relationships.
By joining UNFSS+4, WorldFMC reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that farmers markets remain vibrant spaces of innovation, resilience, and fairness where farmers and communities thrive together.
The Food Coalition: A Catalyst for Global Food Security
Launched by FAO in 2020 and inspired by Italy’s vision, the Food Coalition is a platform for governments, organizations, and communities to build resilient agri-food systems and ensure food access for all. In 2021, the G20 Matera Declaration strengthened this collaboration, mobilizing efforts toward the SDGs. The creation of WorldFMC was among the ten standout initiatives to emerge from over 40 global proposals.
Follow WorldFMC’s journey at UNFSS+4 and beyond as we amplify the voice of farmers markets on the global stage.
