The Fourth General Assembly of the World Farmers Markets Coalition, held in Nairobi on 7–8 October 2026, marked an important milestone for the Coalition. Beyond bringing members from across the world together to exchange experiences, strengthen relationships and shape the future of local food systems, the Nairobi Assembly also had a special significance: it was an elective General Assembly.

On 8 October, WorldFMC members gathered to define the Coalition’s governance for the next mandate, electing the President and the members of the Board.

The election represents an important moment in the continued growth of WorldFMC. As the Coalition expands its membership and strengthens its presence across regions, its governance must continue to reflect the diversity, experience and perspectives of the global farmers market movement.

A leadership representing the Coalition’s regions

The new Board brings together representatives from WorldFMC’s different regional constituencies:

• North America: Jean Nick Trudel
• Central & South America: Thiago Gomide Nasser
• Europe: Randi Ledaal Gjertsen
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Dennis Andaye
• MENA Region: Jean Charles Khairallah
• Asia: Achala Samaradivakara
• East Asia & Oceania: Wallapa Van Willenswaard

For the Presidency, Richard McCarthy was elected to serve another term, continuing his leadership of the Coalition.

The Board also elected Jean Charles Khairallah and Achala Samaradivakara as Vice Presidents.

Together, this leadership represents the scope of the WorldFMC network, bringing different regional experiences and perspectives to the Coalition’s governance while sharing a common commitment to strengthening local food systems and the farmers market movement worldwide.

More than an election: shaping the Coalition’s next chapter

The elective nature of the Nairobi Assembly provided an opportunity for members not only to renew WorldFMC’s leadership, but also to look ahead.

The Coalition has grown significantly since its foundation, connecting farmers market organisations and practitioners across continents and increasingly engaging with international institutions, cities, food policy actors and organisations working to build more sustainable and inclusive food systems.

With this growth comes a stronger need for coordination, representation and shared leadership.

The new mandate will build on the work developed in recent years while continuing to strengthen WorldFMC as a global platform for knowledge exchange, advocacy and collaboration. At its centre remains a shared vision: that local food systems and farmers markets can play a central role in creating more sustainable, resilient and inclusive food systems.

A global Coalition, strengthened through its members

The elections were one of the defining moments of the Fourth General Assembly, but they were part of a broader gathering centred on connection and collective action.

Taking place in Nairobi, the first WorldFMC General Assembly held outside Italy since the Coalition’s foundation, the event brought together members and partners from across the world and highlighted the growing importance of Africa and other regions within the global farmers market movement.

The Assembly was an opportunity to celebrate what the Coalition has achieved so far, while also asking what comes next.

With a new mandate now in place, WorldFMC enters its next chapter with a renewed leadership, a strengthened regional representation and the continued commitment of its members to growing local food systems together.