Sustainable food system policy development

In recent years we have supported several cities in developing a food strategy. A food strategy is an excellent tool to collaboratively work on a policy framework tailored to your needs and context, with input from all actors. This approach ensures a shared ownership of the food transition in your city and offers the best chances that the various stakeholders will also effectively commit to implementation.

A food strategy is a collectively developed policy with a vision, strategic goals and operational activities aimed at making your city region food system more sustainable and accessible,for everyone. We guide you through the four steps of developing your own food strategy.

4 steps to develop your own food strategy

1. Identifying and engaging local stakeholders and citizens

Together with several key actors we identify a tailored approach to reach out to all the different stakeholders. In this process, we help you to install a diversified food council that will oversee the development of the food strategy.

2. Mapping the local agri-food system

Get a picture of what is already happening in the city and its peri-urbanand rural surroundings. What about local markets, short chain initiatives, foodservice, food industry and schools? What is the cultural food identity of the city?

3. Facilitation of the stakeholder meetings

Our common approach foresees three stakeholder meetings:

A first meeting to develop the main strategic goals of the food strategy: what are the main domains you want to work on and what is your long-term goal.
A second meeting to formulate concrete operational objectives and the results that the stakeholders want to achieve after a period of 3 to 5 years. There are also initial ideas on types of activities.
A third meeting to take the step towards action: which projects and initiatives can we collaboratively set up to make our local foodsystem more resilient, sustainable and healthy?

4. Guidance writing the food strategy‍

It is important to think about clear wording, attractive lay-out and to develop strong and broad communication

After our guidance, you will have:

A clear and action-oriented food strategy;
An actionable communication product derived from the research findings.
A practical action plan on how to use the findings to achieve change.

Ghent, Belgium

Rikolto and RUAF guided thedevelopment and implementation of Ghent’s award-winning and holistic food policy.

Main results:

A written, participatory food policy;
An innovative multi-stakeholder governance mechanism,Ghent’s Food Council;
A food waste re-distribution platform, Foodsavers,saving a total of 1700 tons of food and 2400 tons of CO2 emissions.

Quito, Ecuador

Jointly, RUAF and Rikolto supported Quito’s sustainable food policy with local and international actors.

Main results:

The Quito Agrifood Pact (PAQ), a multi-actor platform responsible for the city’s food policy;
A written charter, signed by all actors, and translated into a food policy;
Yachik, a new commercial network for agroecological products.

Da Nang, Vietnam

We supported Da Nang to elaborate a Food Smart City development strategy for 2020-2030 with a vision towards 2045.

Main results:

An analysis of Da Nang’s food system and policy environment;
A strategic framework of what “Food Smart” can mean in the context of Da Nang;
A Food Smart City strategy for the city.

Leuven, Belgium

Together with a group of local farmers and the City of Leuven, we set up Kort’om, a local food distribution platform managed by a farmers’ cooperative.

Main results:

A wide range of new B2B marketing channels in the city for the farmers concerned;
A digital logistics platform where city buyers can easily place their orders;
Good visibility and support in the city.

Sustainable food system policy development

4 steps to develop your own food strategy

1. Identifying and engaging local stakeholders and citizens

2. Mapping the local agri-food system

3. Facilitation of the stakeholder meetings

4. Guidance writing the food strategy‍

After our guidance, you will have:

Get inspired by our track record...

Ghent, Belgium

Quito, Ecuador

Da Nang, Vietnam

Leuven, Belgium

Do you want to get started?