Rotterdam to Host 2026 European Regional Meeting of the World Farmers Markets Coalition
Across Europe, farmers markets are far more than places of exchange, they are engines of community life, supporting local economies, fostering social connections, and ensuring access to fresh, sustainable food. In this context, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) continues to strengthen its European network, bringing together 17 members who share a common vision for the future of local food systems. From 8–10 May 2026, this vision will take shape in Rotterdam, where farmers market leaders from over 12 countries will gather for the second in-person WorldFMC European Regional Meeting. Following the first in-person gathering in Turin in 2021, this event marks a renewed opportunity to connect, collaborate, and build momentum across the region.
Strengthening a Growing Network
The WorldFMC European Regional Meeting will bring together more than 30 participants, including market managers, policymakers, and local food system actors, for three days of exchange, collaboration, and strategic dialogue. The meeting aims to strengthen relationships across the region, promote inclusivity and equal participation, and enhance the capacity of the European constituency to better represent its needs and opportunities.
Through peer networking and shared learning, participants will explore new avenues for collaboration and contribute to the development of impactful regional initiatives.
From Dialogue to Action
A key moment of the gathering will take place on Sunday, 10 May, with a dedicated program hosted at Wijkpaleis. The day will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions, and a collaborative workshop aimed at shaping a shared vision for farmers markets in Europe.
“Not only does this meeting assemble Europe’s diverse farmers market leaders, but it also demonstrates that unless Europe invests in its local food systems, Europe will miss opportunities for biodiversity, rural vibrancy, and youth-driven innovation to flourish. At this meeting, we are finalizing a public advocacy position paper shaped by the hands-on experiences of European farmers market practitioners within the EU and beyond,” said Richard McCarthy, President of WorldFMC.
Participants will work together to develop a WorldFMC Position Paper or Policy Brief addressing key priorities, including:
- The role of farmers markets in building resilient and thriving communities
- Their contribution to sustainable and local food systems
- The need for stronger support through European policies and programmes
This collective output will serve as a practical advocacy tool at both local and national levels.
Addressing Common Challenges
The regulatory environment remains one of the most pressing challenges for farmers markets. According to a 2025 FAO-sanctioned global survey, 80 % of farmers market leaders identified navigating local regulations as a major obstacle.
According to Randi Ledaal Gjertsen, board member for Europe in WorldFMC and director of Farmers market in Norway:
“The Rotterdam meeting will let us engage with local authorities, share best practices, and address common challenges. Discussions will also focus on strengthening cooperation at the European level, including the potential signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between farmers market associations. This is an important step toward future joint initiatives and increased recognition of farmers markets as tools for social cohesion”.
Building on a Shared History
This meeting builds on a journey that began in June 2021, when European farmers market leaders came together to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. That exchange helped shape the creation of the World Farmers Markets Coalition, formally established shortly thereafter in Rome.
Today, the movement continues to grow, farmers markets are strengthening local economies and empowering communities, often under simple tents and umbrellas, yet with profound impact.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 European Regional Meeting in Rotterdam represents a key step in consolidating a dynamic and committed network. By fostering collaboration, amplifying shared voices, and strengthening advocacy tools, the WorldFMC European constituency is positioning farmers markets as essential actors in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
“We are very honored to welcome our colleagues from all over Europe. Usually we are very focused on our own little area, as we should, as facilitators of local food systems. This is a wonderful opportunity to look beyond that, to meet and learn,” said Gerda Zijlstra, Director of Rotterdamse Oogst.
Across Europe, farmers markets are not just local initiatives, they are part of a global movement, rooted in communities and growing stronger together.