By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation and analyse site usage. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Blogs & Vlogs

Spring Gathering

CSOs, thinktanks and funders gather to explore EU SFS strategy

April 27, 2023
Cross-country-power
EU
Food Policy
By
Marinke van Riet
Blogs & Vlogs

Spring Gathering

CSOs, thinktanks and funders gather to explore EU SFS strategy

April 27, 2023
Cross-country-power
EU
Food Policy
By
Marinke van Riet

Photo Credit

Norma Nardi

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

At the end of March in a funky industrial venue in Brussels, suitably called La Tricoterie ('the knitting'), over 100 civil society organisations, thinktanks and philanthrophic organisations gathered for two days.

The purpose?

To explore finding collective and joined-up responses to the ambitious question "How to win a Sustainable Food System Law which will initiate the transition to a healthy, sustainable and resilient food system and set the agenda for the next Commission mandate?"

Having mainly worked virtually over the last three years, the diverse group of representatives was elated to finally meet in person. New connections were made and older connections strengthened within and across the three constituencies. And there was plenty of opportunity to cross-pollinate! Such as for example during the firechat, where we had representatives from the #BreakFreefromPlasticsMovement, FERN (focusing on forestry), Via Campesina and DeSmog sharing their insights on building a movement and shifting dominant narratives.

“We need to think about the key stories we need to be telling, we need to have very clear vision about what kind of change we want, have a strong narrative ourselves and know the key messages we are sharing are very useful”

The group then broke up in smaller groups to dig deeper into the five demands as developed by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

      1. Healthy, ecological sound, culturally appropriate and accessible diets for all at all times.

  1. Fair income and working conditions for farmers, fishers and farm workers in the EU and third countries.
  2. Build inclusive and meaningful participatory governance structures & accountability mechanisms.
  3. Improved animal welfare.
  4. Natural resource conservation, including water, soil and air quality, protection of biodiversity and landscapes, and green-house gas and climate change mitigation.

The key purpose of this session was to find out more on who does what where to link and learn.

In addition to a thematic exploration, the groups were also divided into country or regions, discussing the question on how to ensure countries take a progressive stand on the SFS law. They looked at Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Italy as well as the Nordic countries, Western, Eastern and Southern Europe.

Worth noting that while the differences are numerous there is more that unites us than divides us.

A key element here is the overwhelming need for a narrative shift around food and farming, preferably led by farmers themselves. And the need for increased coordination and collaboration both within countries but also between countries and those coalitions that already have a strong basis in Brussels. Seems the work is cut out for HFHP! 

A full report is available on request, here we are sharing a brief on the SFS law prepared by the EU Food Policy Coalition.

Below find a more illustrative report of the Gathering, done by Norma Nardi.

No items found.

Briefing Documents

No items found.