For the first time, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) participated in the World Food Forum, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of the Coalition’s role in shaping the global food system. The event, held on 15 October 2025 at the FAO Headquarters in the Sheikh Zayed Centre, was a session focusing on “Future of Family Farming: Policy Innovations for Young Farmers.”
Representing the Coalition was Justin Cantafio, founding member of the WFMC, President of the Canadian Farmers Markets, and Manager of the Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia.
Addressing the Generational Challenge in Family Farming
The panel explored one of the most pressing issues in agrifood systems: ensuring generational renewal in family farming. Young farmers are critical for maintaining sustainable food systems, driving innovation, and responding to emerging challenges. The session highlighted inspiring policies and investment approaches worldwide, encouraging intergenerational knowledge exchange and exploring avenues to actively involve young farmers in policy and legislative processes.
Key takeaways emphasized that:
- Young family farmers are essential for both the present and future resilience of agrifood systems.
- Unique barriers undermine generational turnover in agriculture.
- Policies must be cross-sectoral, tailored to the needs of both younger and older generations, and co-designed with family farmers to ensure effectiveness and inclusivity.
Farmers Markets: A Model for Empowering Young Farmers
In his presentation, Justin Cantafio highlighted the critical role of farmers markets in supporting young farmers and promoting generational sustainability. He addressed the systemic challenges faced by Canadian farmers, including industrialization, corporatization, loss of farmland, surging food insecurity, and extreme corporate concentration in the grocery sector.
Farmers markets offer a tangible solution:
- Connection and community: Markets embed farmers in their communities, creating direct consumer relationships, promoting education, and shifting consumer behavior.
- Economic empowerment: Markets ensure fair income for farmers, reduce corporate dependency, and strengthen local economies through price fairness, predictability, and regional multiplier effects.
- Social cohesion and knowledge exchange: Markets bridge urban-rural divides, foster intercultural and intergenerational learning, and strengthen trust and camaraderie.
- Food sovereignty and resilience: By relocalizing food systems, farmers’ markets promote agroecology, adaptability, and responsiveness to climate, economic, and geopolitical challenges.
- Addressing food insecurity: Proven programs, such as nutrition coupon initiatives, demonstrate how markets empower farmers while tackling hunger.
Global Momentum Through the World Farmers Markets Coalition
The WorldFMC, founded in 2021 by seven countries, has grown to over 80 nations and 100 organizations. With three General Assemblies and backing from the FAO, the Coalition has launched initiatives such as the Mediterranean and African Markets Initiative, creating new farmers markets in Kenya, Lebanon, Egypt, and Tunisia.
At its third General Assembly in October 2025, the Coalition introduced two position papers endorsed by member nations:
- Urban Food Policy: Farmers Markets as Drivers for Local Food Systems – Advocating integration of farmers’ markets into urban food policy as a bridge between production and demand.
- The Need for a Clear Definition of Farmers Markets – Recognizing markets as a distinct, turnkey strategy to relocalize food systems globally.
Looking Forward
The participation of the WorldFMC in the World Food Forum underscores the growing recognition of farmers markets as more than just spaces for selling food, they are powerful platforms for innovation, community engagement, and sustainable agricultural development. As the Coalition continues to expand its global reach, farmers markets are increasingly positioned as a key strategy for securing generational sustainability in family farming worldwide.
