Cities Driving Local Food Systems Transformation: Join the Next WorldFMC Academy Studio

How can cities and local governments help shape more sustainable, inclusive and resilient local food systems? This will be the focus of the next WorldFMC Academy Studio, taking place on 12 November 2026.

Cities are more than places where food is consumed. They can play an active role in shaping how food is produced, distributed and accessed, while strengthening connections between urban communities and the rural areas that help feed them.

Local governments have an important role in creating the conditions for this transformation. Through public policies, local initiatives and collaboration with different stakeholders, they can support local producers, strengthen food networks and encourage more sustainable ways of connecting people with food.

Farmers markets are one example of how this can happen in practice. By bringing producers and consumers closer together, they contribute not only to local economies but also to community life, food education and the preservation of agricultural and cultural diversity. Yet their wider contribution is not always fully recognised in urban policies and planning.

Building on the perspectives presented in WorldFMC’s October 2026 position paper, Moving Towards a Public Advocacy Strategy for Farmers Markets: Stitching Together a Canopy of Commerce and Community, this Academy Studio will explore how cities can support local food initiatives and work alongside farmers, farmers market organisations and other stakeholders to advance local food systems transformation.

Through contributions from city representatives and an exchange of experiences, the session will offer an opportunity to share perspectives, explore approaches and reflect on the role of local governments in building stronger and more connected food systems.

Join us for the WorldFMC Academy Studio, register now!

Date: 12 November 2026
Time: 2:00 PM CET | | 75 minutes
Where: Online, Zoom

Be part of the conversation and explore how cities can help drive the transformation of local food systems.