The RLFSC Alliance co-hosted the G7 side event titled “Territorial food systems and food security, equity, sustainability and resilience”, intended to foster the dialogue with the other countries and global partners, and create a permanent area of joint work dedicated to supporting the territorialization of food systems and the promotion of local food policies, to promote more resilient food supply chains  and  the connection between rural and urban areas.

Against the backdrop of the multiple and multifaceted challenges and crises affecting the food sector -such as food insecurity, negative health impacts, climate change, environmental concerns, and market barriers- local food systems, with the diversity of their agricultural, biological, socio-economic and cultural heritages, represent a crucial resource for the transition to more sustainable, equitable and healthy food systems.  The G7 side event “Territorial food systems and food security, equity, sustainability and resilience” became a valuable opportunity for Italy to showcase best practices at an international event, presenting its food system model based on the territorialization of markets and supply chains (farmers’ markets, informal markets and other forms of short supply chains and alternative food networks). During the event, Italy also showcased successfully implemented governance mechanisms (food districts, urban food councils, local food policies, food and agrobiodiversity communities), that embody and promotes local policies and participatory mechanisms, informing a dialogue and mutual exchange with partner countries. The session culminated in a joint document where perspectives from all the participants where gathered, and where the main takeways of the event were summarized.