In october 2024, our Making Food Democracy project took an important step toward greater integration between urban food policies and democratic governance.

During a meeting between paolo graziano and Anthony Bertelli, head of the REPGOV project, a collaboration was born that unites the two research projects to address common challenges.

What does it mean?

It means bringing together expertise, experience and methodologies to better understand how food and governance are intertwined.

And most importantly, to build more just and sustainable food systems ⚖️

Who is our partner, REPGOV?

Led by Anthony Bertelli, REPGOV – Democracy from Public Administration focuses on the role of public administration in translating democratic values into representative practices.

We talk about decisions that impact daily life.

• How are they taken?
• By whom?
• With what effect on democratic representation and participation?

We share a goal with REPGOV: to build more inclusive systems that are responsive to the needs of local communities.

How are we collaborating?

In the coming months, our research work will shift to the field.

Between March and May 2025, Making Food Democracy will be in Belgium, Spain, and the United Kingdom to conduct in-depth interviews with local stakeholders.

In these interviews, we will also incorporate some questions inspired by the REPGOV project to explore how local food policies are intertwined with democratic governance.

But before we go…

see you in 📍 Padua on February 24 and 25 for the Roundtable:

“Food Policy, Democracy and Public Administration.”

Together with Francesca Forno, Anthony Bertelli, Maria Stella Righettini, Micaela Sciarra, Chiara Spadaro, Maria Antonietta Maneschi and Hannah Buck, we will discuss the relationship between food policy, democracy and public administration.

Seven talks, fifteen minutes each, to explore research perspectives on food governance, democratic representation, and the role of public institutions.

An opportunity to deepen these themes and strengthen the research network with scholars, master’s and doctoral students 🔗

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See you in Turin for the 8th National Meeting of the Italian Local Food Policy Network

📍 January 30 and 31, 2025 – University of Turin

Join Maria Antonietta Maneschi, Micaela Sciarra and Chiara Spadaro at the 8th National Meeting of the Italian Local Food Policies Network: a key moment to discuss the role of local food policies in Italy.

During the scientific sessions on January 30, we will present two research contributions:

• One on the topic of food democracy
• One on public procurement

This will be an opportunity to engage with those working on these issues and hear new perspectives.

If you are in Turin on those days, drop by.

Read the full program here 🔗 https://www.politichelocalicibo.it/8-incontro-nazionale-rete-italiana-politiche-locali-del-cibo/

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This month’s key word: Food Policy Councils

What are Food Policy Councils?

They are local food tables that bring together communities, governments and businesses to co-create food policies that improve access to healthy and sustainable food.

They are critical tools for building more equitable food systems, with shared decision-making among those who produce, distribute and consume food.

Why are they important?

Because they foster dialogue between different actors and allow concrete solutions to be developed on issues such as food waste, affordability and environmental sustainability.

Working together is the only way to change the food system from the bottom up.

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