The Mediterranean Innovation Agrifood Week 2024 (4th Edition), organized by CHIEAM Bari, brought together leading minds, organizations, and institutions to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: transforming local food systems through global cooperation.
At Panel #1, titled “The Transition of Local Food Systems in International Cooperation”, we explored innovative, sustainable, and inclusive solutions to ensure food security for the 70% of the global population projected to live in cities by 2050. The discussion centered on whether addressing such a global challenge can begin with localized food system approaches.
Key Highlights of the Panel
The session delved into various cooperative models and processes that bridge institutional actors, businesses, civil society, and research. Practical examples included:
- Farmer markets and food districts as thriving hubs for local produce.
- Biodistricts and sustainable supply chains demonstrating environmentally conscious practices.
- Territorial networks fostering regional collaboration.
- Governance strategies ensuring effective policy-making and implementation.
These initiatives showcased how international cooperation acts as a driving force to build more resilient and inclusive food systems capable of addressing future challenges.
Insights from Carmelo
One of the standout moments of the panel was the thought-provoking perspective shared by Carmelo, who emphasized the critical link between urban and rural areas. He stated:
“The relationship between cities and the countryside is fundamental to improving farmers’ incomes, enabling them to remain in rural areas and continue feeding urban populations. However, the barriers preventing farmers from accessing cities are immense—far greater than the medieval city walls of the past. These barriers are not limited to the Global South; they are pervasive across the Global North as well.”
Carmelo’s remarks underscored the need for policy reforms and systemic change to eliminate these barriers, enabling fairer and more sustainable food distribution systems.
Why This Matters
The transition to sustainable food systems is not just a regional concern but a global imperative. As cities grow, fostering collaboration between rural and urban areas becomes essential for achieving long-term food security. Events like the Mediterranean Innovation Agrifood Week provide a platform to share insights, forge partnerships, and drive actionable change.
By spotlighting successful examples and addressing the challenges that remain, the panel reaffirmed the importance of cooperative approaches in shaping a sustainable future for food systems worldwide.
