Food Dialogue: Reestablishing the essential link between farming, territory and food

On 5 March 2026, the European Commission will launch its Food Dialogues with a first session on ‘Reestablishing the essential link between farming, territory and food’, in line with the Vision for Agriculture and Food. A new session is planned later this year on ‘Competitiveness of the food industry’.

The first Food Dialogue will bring together key food system actors to explore how local, seasonal and sustainably produced food can be better valued and promoted across the European Union. Discussions will focus on shaping favourable food environments and strengthening territorial resilience through coordinated action at local and Union level.

Participants will examine how to develop effective incentives that encourage the consumption of local and seasonal products, promote food produced with high environmental and social standards – including organic products – and strengthen shorter supply chains. Particular attention will be given to the added value of Union action, notably through public procurement and cooperation with local authorities.

The Dialogue will unfold as follows:

• Morning Session: High-level Food Dialogue Launch
  The morning session will open with a keynote address by Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, followed by a high-level roundtable chaired by Stéphane Séjourné, Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, and Commissioner Hansen.
  
  The discussion will focus on conscious public procurement and cooperation with local authorities to shape favourable food environments and strengthen territorial resilience, including how a “best value” approach can reward quality and sustainability across the food chain.
• Follow-up Session: Technical Workshop on Best Practices
  Chaired by Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, the afternoon workshop will focus on peer exchange among local authorities.
  
  Participants will share practical experiences in supporting territorial supply chains, improving access to sustainable and affordable food, and engaging stakeholders in local food strategies. Best practices will be presented from Milan, Copenhagen, Paris, Bergamo, Ghent, Mouans-Sartoux, and Alto Minho.