TRACK I: How can we develop evidence-based policies on agriculture, food systems and biodiversity using a whole systems approach?

Track coordinator Kris Kok, Vrije Universitait Amsterdam

IA: What exactly is transformative governance for agriculture, food systems, and biodiversity?
Organised by Michelle Betsil, University of Copenhagen 

This interactive workshop explores what transformative governance for agriculture, food systems, and biodiversity entails. The workshop explores what needs to change in food systems governance, for whom, and how fast. Through mapping and visioning exercises, participants reflect on different pathways of transformation. Subsequently, a visioning exercise will use three scenarios of future sustainable land use in Denmark to spark discussion on the governance approaches needed to realize such transformations.

IB: How to apply food systems science to support transformative governance and evidence-based policymaking?
Organised by Stine Rosenlund Hansen, Roskilde University together with Kerstin Pasch, DIL and Ana Moragues Faus, University of Barcelona.

Food systems science (FSS) highlight the interconnected drivers, actors, outcomes, and feedbacks shaping food systems, offering holistic perspectives to guide innovation and policy. Drawing on cases from EU Horizon projects, participants will discuss: i) Barriers and lock-ins to mission-oriented food system innovation, ii) Operationalizing FSS frameworks for policy support, iii) Applying FSS in bridging conflicting interests in food systems transformation, and iv) How policy needs should guide future FSS research.

IC: Living labs and policy councils as enablers of transformative change in local food systems
Organised by Chiara Roticiani,Eurocities together with Anna Kirkegaard Vaarst, ICROFS and Mette Frimodt-Møller, University of Copenhagen 

This workshop examines how living labs, food policy labs and food policy councils can drive systemic change at the local level. Participants will share experiences on translating experimentation into policy and building effective governance structures, including concrete ways to ensure that lessons from living labs and food policy councils are integrated into decision-making. and how governance models can support policy implementation and long-term transformation.

ID: Overcoming polarization and bridging the rural-urban divide on agriculture, food systems and biodiversity
Organised by Christian Bugge Henriksen, University of Copenhagen together with Marin van Damme and Katrien Martens, The Protein Project.

This workshop addresses the divisive narratives on agriculture, food systems and biodiversity. Participants identify and upvote the most polarizing terms and explore their perception across stakeholder groups. Facilitators will then unpack why these provoke division and what interests they reflect. Through dialogue, the group will work towards more inclusive narratives that can bridge rural–urban divides and foster genuine collaboration across stakeholder groups.