Between the 6th and the 8th of September, FAL Brașov had the chance to host the FoodSHIFT2030 partners and invite them to take part in the FAL Brașov experience! Autumn came earlier in the mountain city, but with a bit a luck, weather was sunny and warm during the field trips where we learnt about the Brașov city-region food system and met the innovators.

Day 1 started with a short introduction about the city-region’s food production capacity and trends, to ensure a common understanding of the local food system and to provide the needs assessment for the food strategy, which is one of the most important goals of FAL Brașov.

The main challenges that Brașov city region faces in relation to its food system are:

• Integrating small producers in the food system, professionalisation and aggregation.
• Promoting local gastronomy and local menus.
• Encourage and strengthen rural-urban linkages and cohesion.

Part of these challenges is tackled by the first two innovators that were introduced.

  • Mihaela Frățilă, expert on public procurement. Mihaela worked on integrating local producers in the local public procurement for the ‘meal in school’ program and assembled a list of recommendation for the national authorities that manage this program.
  • ‘Ținutul Bârsei’ Local Action Group that will organise a course for the professionalisation of the small producer, for a better integration in the local food system.