Strengthening our local food systems
April 25 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Friday, April 25th at noon at Pace University – Elisabeth Haub School of Law
Tudor Room of Preston Hall on the first floor
78 North Broadway in White Plains, NY 10603
Please share widely!
An inspiring story of community-led transformation is unfolding in Portugal’s Cova da Beira region, where local organizers have created a promising model for rebuilding local food systems from the ground up. Starting in 2020, Filipa Costa and Prahlad Alegria with the Prout Research Institute-Portugal brought together farmers, community members, schools, and local government to tackle a common challenge: despite having fertile land and skilled small-scale farmers, most food was being imported while local producers struggled to make ends meet.
Through a process called “Block Level Planning” – which simply means getting everyone in an area of about 100,000 people to plan together – they’ve launched an ambitious initiative called “Cova da Beira Converge” that’s laying the groundwork to reconnect local farmers with schools, institutions, and community members. What makes their approach special is how they combine practical planning with fostering community, including regular gatherings that mix collaborative visioning with shared meals and traditional dancing.
The emerging results of this work offer exciting possibilities for communities everywhere working to strengthen local food systems. Through monthly rotating gatherings that move throughout their region, they’ve built a network of over 140 active participants who are shaping transformative plans. Their vision has evolved into creating an integral cooperative – inspired by similar movements in Portugal and Spain – that will go beyond just food to encompass education, health, housing, cultural activities, and other essential community needs.
While still in the planning stages, their partnerships between producers’ associations, local government, and schools are laying the foundation for a comprehensive food sovereignty system. They’ve shown how bringing together diverse stakeholders in a spirit of celebration and practical action can reshape a region’s future. Their experience demonstrates that while moving more slowly to include everyone takes time, it creates the deep relationships and shared vision needed for lasting change – offering valuable lessons for other communities working to revitalize their local food systems.
Filipa and Prahlad are traveling to White Plains to present at Pace University in White Plains at noon on Friday, April 25th as well as participate in both the food sovereignty and art breakout sessions at the Lower Hudson Valley Social Forum
Please note that this presentation is being organized by the Law School’s Food and Agriculture Division and is appropriate for food security advocates, elected officials, food policy analysts and all who are interested in more sustainable and environmentally friendly food systems. Registration is required here
Light refreshments will be served and the event is free and open to the public but RSVPs are required! When you first drive in to the campus, Preston Hall will be on your left and Tudor Hall is on the first floor of Preston Hall. You may park in the rear in visitor parking.
Thank you!