The fifth Food4CE newsletter is out!
Over the past months, important steps have been taken within the Food4CE project to lead Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) closer to a more connected, resilient, and sustainable future. With project activities now entering their final phase, the project is entering into a new chapter, where local action and European policy meet.
After a period marked by the launch of a Knowledge Transfer Platform and Matchmaking Platform, as well as pilot activities within Innovation Hubs, the focus has now shifted toward preparing policy recommendations and regional action plans that will help ensure the long-term success and visibility of AFNs across Central Europe.
Regional needs have been carefully analysed, and discussions with stakeholders have been carried out in each partner country. Based on this groundwork, regional policy recommendations and action plans are now being drafted in Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Poland and Italy.
These strategic documents will reflect the specific characteristics and priorities of each territory while staying closely aligned with broader EU frameworks — Macro-regional Strategies (MRS) and Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3). The aim of these activities is to strengthen local food systems by ensuring that AFNs are recognised in strategic documents and supported through future funding, innovation policies, and regional development plans.
At the same time, joint policy recommendations are being prepared at the transnational level. These will serve as a bridge between regional initiatives and higher-level planning, making sure that the lessons learned within Food4CE can be transferred, scaled up, and used to influence decision-making beyond the project’s immediate network. Special attention is being paid to how sustainable food logistics and mutual cooperation can be better integrated into regional and EU policies.
As the project moves closer to its conclusion, the integrated approach — linking practice, technology, and policy — is helping to build a stronger future for local food systems. The coming months will see the finalisation of all regional action plans, establishment of Transnational Innovation Hub (TIH), and the release of policy recommendations that will carry the voice of AFNs into the broader debate on sustainable and smart food systems in Europe.
Discover the Fifth Food4CE Newsletter now!
