On 5 July 2023, the FEBA Team participated in the Strategic Dialogue on Agriculture – Networking, understanding, transforming at the Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union. The session was opened with representatives from regional agricultural producers who offered their perspectives on sustainable and organic farming and production. This was followed by a panel discussion with MEPs from the EPP and the Greens, as well as representatives from DG AGRI and DG SANTE (European Commission) and respective delegates from the Ministries in Baden-Württemberg. Alexandra Nikolakopoulou, Head of Unit Farm to Fork Strategy from DG SANTE, pointed out that structural farming has to be supported and exchanges of best practices reinforced. COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine showed the vulnerabilities of our food system but also its resilience. Best practices from Member States should be shared and through a framework law on sustainable food systems, governance should be strengthened, including the organisation of structural dialogues at the regional level and the establishment of local food councils to facilitate cooperation and networking.
