On 24th and 25th September, the Food4CE Consortium gathered in the picturesque city of Poznań, Poland, for a project meeting hosted by the Poznań University of Life Sciences (PULS). Against the backdrop of one of Poland’s most vibrant and historic cities, partners came together to reflect on the journey so far and to chart the path ahead as the project enters its decisive final phase. Over two days, the consortium strengthened collaboration, reviewed progress, and set the stage for the crucial steps that will shape more sustainable and resilient food systems across Central Europe.
Central to the discussions were the development of the Transnational Innovation Hub and the advancement of local Innovation Hubs, which are emerging as crucial drivers for supporting Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Poland, and Hungary. The meeting also provided space to focus on the two platforms developed within the project: the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP), designed to foster exchange of best practices, and the Matchmaking Platform (MP), which connects stakeholders across the sustainable food ecosystem. Partners also worked on the presentation of their Action Plans within the Policy Support Framework and explored how the project can contribute to Macro Regional and Smart Specialisation Strategies, ensuring its impact extends well beyond the project’s lifetime.
Discovering Folwark Wąsowo: innovation rooted in tradition
A highlight of the meeting was the visit to Folwark Wąsowo, one of the Polish Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) involved in the project, a producer of processed organic vegetables and Slow Food Center located in Wąsowo, near Nowy Tomyśl, about 50 km from Poznań. With great attention to detail, the owners have been restoring historic buildings and giving them new life, while cultivating 15 hectares of land with a wide variety of organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Since 2012, their produce has been officially certified organic and is transformed into traditional preserves directly on site. Folwark Wąsowo is also known for its craft beer production and for combining heritage preservation with a modern, sustainable approach to agriculture.
During the visit, partners had the chance to explore the farm’s facilities through a guided tour, gain insights into its food processing, and experience firsthand the results of its sustainable practices. They also enjoyed tasting some of the farm’s organic products, making the visit not only informative but also a sensory journey into the richness of local, high-quality food. This inspiring experience offered a concrete example of how innovation and tradition can come together to strengthen local food systems.
The Poznań meeting marked another important step for the Food4CE project, reinforcing partners’ shared vision of sustainable urban food logistics and resilient AFNs. Looking ahead, the consortium will continue to refine strategies, support the uptake of tools and platforms, and prepare for the project’s final conference in Slovenia in February 2026.
Stay tuned for more updates as Food4CE continues to drive transformative change in sustainable urban food logistics!
Special thanks to our Polish partner, Poznań University of Life Sciences, for their warm hospitality and excellent organization during the meeting.