First CLEVERFOOD Peer-Learning Visit in Amsterdam

From April 14th to 16th, the city of Amsterdam became the meeting ground for a unique exchange of ideas and inspiration during the first CLEVERFOOD peer-learning visit. Facilitated by Eurocities and hosted by Amped, serving as the guiding entity of the peer-learning programme (alongside the EU4Advice Living Lab, the visit brought together participants from Marseille and Wallonia, specifically Cité de l’Agriculture and Cellule Manger Demain).

Over the course of two days, this international group engaged in meaningful dialogue, shared experiences, and explored local initiatives that are shaping the future of sustainable food systems. The programme included field visits to the Nieuw-West food market and Voedselpark Amsterdam, providing participants with a firsthand look at how Amsterdam is actively working to transition toward a fair, local, and inclusive food system. From community-driven markets to urban agricultural preservation efforts, these visits highlighted the diversity of strategies being used to localize food production while addressing social equity and environmental sustainability.

Discussions during the visit revolved around the challenge of shortening food supply chains in a way that is both sustainable and socially just, the need for innovative financing mechanisms to support food policy councils and living labs, and the importance of better engaging lower-income communities in both access to nutritious food and participation in food governance. These conversations sparked thoughtful reflections among the participants, as they considered how to translate lessons from Amsterdam to their own regions.