Across Europe, farmers markets are far more than places of exchange, they are engines of community life, supporting local economies, fostering social connections, and ensuring access to fresh, sustainable food. In this context, the World Farmers Markets Coalition continues to strengthen its European constituency, bringing together 17 members who share a common vision for the future of local food systems.
In May 2026, this vision will take shape in Rotterdam, where farmers market leaders from over 12 countries will gather for the second in-person WorldFMC European Regional Meeting. This event marks an important milestone for the Coalition. Following the first in-person gathering in Turin in 2021, and subsequent exchanges across the network, this meeting represents a renewed opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build momentum across the region.
Strengthening a Growing Network
The European Regional Meeting aims to reinforce collective capacities through peer networking and to maximize the value of WorldFMC membership. Over three days, more than 30 participants, including market managers, policymakers, and local food system actors will exchange knowledge, share experiences, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
At its core, the meeting is designed to:
- Increase member engagement and strengthen relationships across the region
- Promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal participation
- Build the capacity of the European constituency to better represent its needs and assets
- Encourage the development of impactful regional initiatives
From Dialogue to Action
A key highlight of the program will take place on Sunday, entirely dedicated to the European Regional Meeting. Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, participants will actively contribute to shaping a shared vision for farmers markets in Europe.
The ambition is clear: to produce a tangible and impactful outcome. Participants will collaborate on the development of a WorldFMC Position Paper or Policy Brief, addressing key themes such as:
- The role of farmers markets in building resilient and thriving communities
- Their contribution to sustainable and local food systems
- The need for stronger support through European policies and programs
This collective output will reflect shared insights and provide a practical advocacy tool for farmers markets at both local and national levels.
Addressing Common Challenges
One of the central topics of discussion will be the regulatory environment in which farmers markets operate. According to a 2025 FAO-sanctioned global survey, 80% of farmers market leaders identified navigating local regulations as a major challenge. This issue remains highly relevant across Europe, where public advocacy is often constrained by limited resources and organizational capacity.
The Rotterdam meeting will provide a platform to:
- Explore strategies to better engage with local authorities
- Share best practices and successful initiatives
- Address common challenges, including those highlighted through recent collaborative processes
Participants will also work toward strengthening cooperation at the European level, including the potential signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between farmers market associations. This step would pave the way for future joint projects and reinforce the recognition of farmers markets as instruments for social cohesion and peace among citizens.
Building on a Shared History
This gathering builds on a journey that began in June 2022, when farmers market leaders from across Europe met to exchange their hopes and challenges. That moment of collective reflection played a key role in shaping the World Farmers Markets Coalition itself, formally established shortly thereafter in Rome.
Today, the movement continues to grow. From Norway to Italy, from Spain to Georgia, farmers markets are strengthening local food economies and empowering communities, often under simple tents and umbrellas, yet with profound impact.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 European Regional Meeting in Rotterdam is more than an event, it is a step forward in consolidating a dynamic and committed network. By fostering collaboration, amplifying shared voices, and building stronger advocacy tools, the European constituency of WorldFMC is positioning farmers markets as key actors in shaping resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
Because across Europe, farmers markets are not just local initiatives, they are part of a global movement, rooted in communities and growing stronger together.
