A CONSULT presented the June 18, em Setúbal, the strategy for the local markets of Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The thematic forum was held at the Livramento Market, integrated into the project AML Alimenta and no National Plan for Balanced and Sustainable Food National Rural Network, and treated local markets as a tool for territorial development.
Rui Almeida, Operational Director of CONSULT, e José Diogo, Agricultural Engineer at A2S, Association for Sustainable Development of the Saloi Region, They presented the objectives of the strategy: effective promotion and marketing, modernization of the structures, diversification of the offer, networking, and promotion of environmental sustainability. The results of the surveys conducted with producers and market managers were also presented, which opened the discussion on improvements and solutions to be applied.
An opening session with several decision scales
The event began with the interventions of Joaquim Carapeto, President of the ADREPES, Regional Development Association of the Setúbal Peninsula, of Pedro Pina, councilor of the Municipal Council of Setúbal, of Filipe Ferreira, Metropolitan Secretary at Lisbon Metropolitan Area, and of Rita Barradas, Vice President of CCDR LVT. The role of local markets as spaces of social, cultural and economic identity was emphasized, as well as the importance of encouraging the traceability of products and the proximity between producers and consumers.
Panel discussion with cases from several municipalities
The roundtable, moderated by Custódia Correia, yes National PAC Network, addressed the challenges and obstacles to the valorization of local markets. Participants Aura Fraga, yes Algarve Markets Network, Rodrigo Mateus, yes Division of Markets and Fairs of Municipality of Setúbal, Angela Abreu, of Municipality of São Pedro do Sul, Mário Monteiro, of Municipality of Famalicão, e Maria José Ilhéu, yes Feeding Sustainable Cities, who shared successful experiences.
At the closing session, Filipe Ferreira he highlighted the inclusion of food on the political agenda 2030 and the need for alternative financing solutions.
Training session in the afternoon
Still in Livramento Market, João Margaça, Consultant in the area of studies and strategy and quality manager at CONSULT, conducted a training action on sustainable agricultural production, product traceability, the application of pesticides, care at the points of sale and implementation of HACCP.
The project AML Alimenta It is promoted by Lisbon Metropolitan Area, by A2S, by ADREPES and by CCDR LVT. It contributes to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies promoting healthy and sustainable food, with special emphasis on the Mediterranean diet and on combating food waste in the Lisbon metropolitan area.