The World Farmers Markets Coalition proudly participated in CODEWAY EXPO 2026, contributing to two high-level international discussions dedicated to the transformation of local agrifood systems and the future of global food security.
The event represented an important opportunity to strengthen dialogue among international organizations, institutions, researchers, and civil society actors committed to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit +6 in 2027.
Creating Value in Local Food Systems: The Italian Model Towards the Food Systems Summit 2027
The first session, organized by CIHEAM Bari, focused on the theme: “Creating Value in Local Food Systems: The Italian Model towards the Food Systems Summit 2027.”
The workshop explored how the global challenge of food security requires a paradigm shift, moving beyond the simple transfer of technologies toward the co-creation of resilient, equitable, and sustainable local food systems.
The discussion forms part of the participatory national pathway aimed at developing a Collaborative Position Paper to be presented at the next UN Food Systems Summit +6 in 2027. The initiative seeks to highlight the Italian experience as a distinctive territorial development model capable of integrating international cooperation with the strength of global coalitions.
At the center of the debate was the concept of multidimensional value creation in local food systems:
- Economic value, through fair and responsible supply chains capable of generating local income and employment;
- Social and cultural value, by strengthening social cohesion and preserving food identities;
- Environmental value, by promoting biodiversity, sustainable natural resource management, and reducing food loss and waste.
Among the key speakers was WorldFMC Director General Carmelo Troccoli, who addressed the role of local food in creating a renewed relationship between rural and urban communities. His intervention emphasized the strategic importance of farmers markets and territorial food systems in reconnecting producers and consumers while fostering community resilience and sustainable local economies.
The panel also presented the first outcomes of strategic assistance projects supporting the UN Coalitions “Resilient Local Food Supply Chain,” “True Value Food,” and “Food is Never Waste,” financed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
Scaling Farmers Markets for Local Agrifood Systems Transformation
The World Farmers Markets Coalition also participated in the panel: “Scaling Farmers Markets for Local Agrifood Systems Transformation – Italy–FAO Partnership for Local Agrifood Systems Transformation.”
The session focused on presenting the concrete results achieved by the Food Coalition, with particular attention to the Global Network of Farmers Markets as a flagship international initiative.
The discussion demonstrated how the achievements reached since the G20 Matera Declaration and the establishment of the Food Coalition are now mature enough to support the development of a structured multi-country program aimed at strengthening local agrifood systems worldwide.
Richard McCarthy contributed to the discussion alongside representatives from FAO, CIHEAM Bari, and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The session highlighted how farmers markets are increasingly recognized as powerful tools for local agrifood systems transformation by:
- supporting family farmers and small-scale producers;
- improving access to fresh, local, and nutritious food;
- strengthening rural-urban connections;
- promoting local economic development;
- encouraging sustainable consumption and production practices.
The event also showcased the growing global impact of the Farmers Markets Initiative through videos, testimonials, and international experiences demonstrating the relevance of territorial food systems in addressing contemporary challenges related to food security, climate resilience, and social inclusion.
From Local Action to Global Impact
The high-level discussions at CODEWAY EXPO 2026 reinforced a clear message: local agrifood systems are essential to achieving more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive food futures.
From the legacy of the G20 Matera Declaration to the roadmap toward the UN Food Systems Summit +6 in 2027, the World Farmers Markets Coalition continues to advocate for the strategic role of farmers markets and local food systems in global food governance.
By connecting communities, empowering local producers, and promoting sustainable territorial development, farmers markets are proving to be key actors in the transition toward food systems that work for people, communities, and the planet.
