When We Gather, We Are Better Together: our President’s message

The 2024 World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) Second General Assembly in Rome showcases how partnerships lead to food systems transformation

A coalition of coalitions coalesced to explore more coalitions at the WorldFMC General Assembly in Rome in July 2024. Though it may sound like a word puzzle, it is not. Participants were anything but puzzled. Farmers market managers and advocates seized the opportunity to spend quality time with the key international agencies and international NGOs in order to seek practical means to partner. After all, farmers markets, themselves, are among the least likely coalition to emerge: between town, country, and the advocates for shared public spaces.

Beneath the banner of “Better Together,” the weekend incorporated feedback from members who voiced the appetite for more internal and practical interactions. It is true that during the inaugural Assembly in 2023, many objectives competed for time and attention: Most notably, the case for farmers markets to those who wield considerable power.

This year’s GA included training for members on social media, lessons forming new national associations, speed-dating, and more linguistic interpretation.

Consider the temperatures. It may have been the “hottest ticket in town.” However, the heat did not put a major dent in attendance. With 39 countries represented, thank you to market leaders who pulled themselves away from peak seasons to connect with the world. In 2023, many of the same international agencies were also present: FAO, UN Habitat, etc. Last year, our objectives were to introduce those who operate at 30,000 metres above the ground to those who operate at the grassroots. This year, we were able to reach deeper into these agencies to facilitate conversations with the staff who can act on desires to collaborate. 

From my perspective, in one year, it is notable how better we as a strategy are understood by potential partners and investors. Also, during this period of intense activity, we put our fork in the ground in one region: The southern perimeter of the Mediterranean with the MAMi Farmers Market Project. Working with the agricultural CIHEAM-Bari, we are testing a theory. With resources to provide technical support to build capacity, we can help food systems leaders develop new farmers markets where none exist; better network ones that currently operate; and develop national associations of farmers markets to improve the policy environment at national levels. All indications are that this model of going deep in territories is ripe for replication.

Limited space here prevents me from acknowledging everyone and every investor who made the GA happen; however, a huge and warm hug goes out to the amazing Campagna Amica team whose responsibilities to coordinate positive contact between Italian farmers and consumers are generously expanded to assemble leaders from all over the planet. This involves travel plans, visas, hotels, meals, and meaningful experiences. No single event better expresses the spirit of cooperation than the opening session in the Vatican’s historic Synod Hall to share ideas about international solidarity than to meet with Cardinal Mauro Gambetti and learn about “Fratelli Tutti.” From village to mega-city, the habitual ritual of farmers markets cultivate relationships that withstand the climatic, political, and economic pressures that otherwise tear communities apart.

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