The municipalities of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area have committed to driving local food policies to promote a new, more sustainable food model that will benefit their communities. This commitment was made during the Alimentem Barcelona event (November 19, 2024), where over 200 representatives from local governments, public institutions, and experts gathered to discuss the future of food systems. MUFPP partecipated supporting the mentoring workshops that helped municipalities design and implement effective food strategies.
The Barcelona Provincial Council has organized the Alimentem Barcelona event in collaboration with the Metropolitan Strategic Plan of Barcelona (PEMB), the Joint Office for Sustainable Food (OCAS), the Catalan Government, and the Barcelona City Council. The event featured numerous case studies and presentations on the need to integrate food systems into urban planning and policies. The goal is to create a more sustainable, healthy, and resilient food system for the entire population.
A Commitment to Transforming Food Systems
The mayors and municipal representatives who attended the event highlighted the urgent need to address food security, sustainability, and the growing reliance on external food sources. The Barcelona Metropolitan Area currently produces only a small percentage of the fruits, vegetables and meat it consumes, and local food production has been declining for decades. According to Janet Sanz, Executive Commission President of the Metropolitan Strategic Plan of Barcelona, “In the last 60 years, we’ve lost 60% to 80% of the agricultural land in the metropolitan area.”
Municipalities across the region have recognized the importance of building local food systems that not only provide healthy and sustainable food to citizens but also reduce dependence on imports. Municipalities are encouraged to incorporate food issues into a variety of urban policies, from waste management to land use, urban planning, and local economic development.
Strengthening Local Food Policies
At the event, Sònia Callau, head of the Agricultural Territorial Directorate of the Barcelona Provincial Council, emphasized the importance of developing tailored food strategies at the municipal level. “Food is an essential part of many municipal policies,” she said, “and we need to advance toward a model that is healthier, more sustainable, and locally focused.“
The Catalan Government has also highlighted its commitment to advancing local food policies, particularly with the future Catalan Food Law, which will aim to promote healthier eating habits, support local agriculture, and ensure food security across the region. In addition, the creation of inter-administrative platforms like OCAS is crucial to building coordination among different institutions and municipalities in the effort to reshape the food system.
Innovation and Collaboration for a Healthier Future
The event also presented various innovative initiatives, such as the Terra Pagesa project, which supports small-scale farmers in Catalonia and promotes the marketing of local and seasonal products. Similarly, initiatives like the Municipal Markets of Barcelona have long served as key points of connection between citizens and their food systems, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food network.
Moreover, experts from other cities around the world, such as Milan and Valencia, shared successful experiences in transforming urban food systems, offering inspiration for the municipalities of Barcelona to take bold action in shaping the future of food in their region. Milan shared experiences related to multilevel governance and public food procurement, on the experience of lowering GHGs emissions in its School Meals Programme.
Next Steps for Local Food Policies
As part of the event, a series of mentoring workshops were held, aimed at supporting municipalities in designing and implementing their own food strategies. These workshops focused on the key stages of local food policy development, including the preparation, planning, and governance needed to create effective and sustainable food systems.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from all participants to work collaboratively towards a new food model—one that promotes sustainability, local production, and food justice for all citizens. Municipalities across the Barcelona Metropolitan Area are now committed to taking action to improve local food systems, reduce food waste, and promote healthier diets for their communities.
For more information on local food policies and strategies, you can reach out to Sònia Callau, head of the Agricultural Territorial Directorate of the Barcelona Provincial Council and coordinator of the Barcelona Agrària program.
