GOVERNANCE

Knowledge Base > Governance

Welcome to Governance!

Transforming the food system requires changes in governance rather than relying solely on individual policies or practices. Accordingly, a systemic approach to food governance can facilitate coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, support the involvement of marginalized groups in decision-making processes, and enable the development of sustainable and equitable food system policies.Our food systems face many connected challenges like food insecurity, environmental change, inequality, biodiversity loss, and urbanization among many others. These challenges are all closely connected to how our food systems are governed. Therefore, transforming food systems means we need to make changes in how it's governed, rather than just relying on individual policies or practices. When we talk about governance, we mean taking a big-picture approach that brings together different people, helps making decisions collectively, and creates fair and sustainable food system policies. It also means giving a voice to those who are often left out of decision-making, like marginalized communities. Good governance supports research and helps spread innovative ideas and practices that make our food system better. It encourages us to think ahead and build a food system that can withstand challenges and changes in the future. 

Governance Tool

Want to improve the governance of your local food system?

Governance in FoodSHIFT 2030 Cities

You can read about selected cities (or living labs as we call them) below to find out how each city region is supporting governance in the food system transition:
Focus on listening to the city through the community garden in the city and informing on how to reduce food waste
Focus on listening to the city for the city's food strategy and to combat poverty, advising the city on short food supply chains and healthy diets, high quality education and links to producers & catering
Focus on informing the city on urban-rural cooperation, advising the city through citizen engagement platforms, listening to the city on up-cycling food and collaborating on procurement for public canteens & schools
Focus on advising the city on promoting local products and on "Food Vision Young People", and listening to the city through professionalisation of small producers
Focus on advising the city on food hubs and collaborating on food strategy & policy 
Focus on collaborating with the city on food strategy & policy 
Focus on collaborating with the city on school meals and bio-waste composting
Focus on collaborating with the city on food & education in schools