The production, processing and consumption of our food plays a significant role in the consideration of human resource consumption. Against the backdrop of advancing climate change, increasing land consumption, decreasing water availability and a growing world population, the review and adaptation of food systems from the perspective of social, ecological and economic sustainability is one of the central tasks for both politics and the agricultural and food industry.
In this context, the aim of this working group is to show the participants the ways and innovative municipal approaches on the basis of the activities of a food cluster network and by presenting additional "good practice" examples of how municipal economic policy can contribute to local economic development in the food sector through networking.
For this purpose, experienced municipal economic development agencies with expertise in the field of community/capacity building in the food context will present their structures and clusters. The following aspects will be examined and worked out in more detail:
- How can entrepreneurs in the food value chain be supported in networking with potential partners.
- How a strategic partnership can help (capital, know-how and technical assistance) in the implementation of new projects.
- Help with marketing/branding/entering new markets
- Help in finding additional funding opportunities
In addition, representatives of municipalities (with less developed structures) will have the opportunity to present their local situation and needs. In a further step, these needs and topics will be matched with experiences and solution approaches from more experienced municipalities and business experts in a joint discussion in order to promote local food ecosystems through effective measures in a targeted and collaborative manner.