Open Conference 2025

The ATTER network's second open conference, held in Brussels (Université Libre de Bruxelles) on 8 April 2025, brought together more than 50 people from research, civil society and the political sphere from different countries to discuss the issues and experiences surrounding transitions to agro-ecological food systems at the territorial level.

The debates have started with an opening round table including three leading figures from civil society (Maria Suarez-Franco, Secretary General of FIAN International), public action (Eric Andrieu, former Member of the European Parliament 2012-2023 and former member of the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development) and research (Cécile Détang-Dessendre, Deputy Director of INRAE). The various speakers from the ATTER network (from INRAE, Cardiff University, Coventry University, University of Vermont, CIHEAM, Terralim consultancy, Urgenci international network, FIAN, Regional Park of Monts d'Ardèche, etc.) have shared the cross-cutting analyses and comparative perspectives of the 16 rural and urban study areas studied in the five countries, and have opened the debate on the issues we need to tackle collectively.

The contributions and content of the debates focused on the political dimensions of transitions in agri-food systems, particularly in the face of the rise of populist governments and the relative delegitimisation of environmental issues in the field of public action. Emphasis was placed on the political choices, projects and policies to be implemented to support and build on local dynamics and initiatives, while respecting the uniqueness of each territory and taking care not to create inequalities between them. However, without being overly pessimistic, the participants shared the observation that extreme headwinds are weakening agro-ecological transitions, particularly at European level. More than ever, researchers and practitioners have a role to play and are eagerly awaited, following the example of the initiatives launched by ATTER, to highlight and analyse the diversity of agro-ecological transition processes and experiences in regions around the world.

To consult the programme and all information related to the event, visit the Open Conference website here or click on the right-hand corner !