The meeting, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Sea in coordination with the CCDR Alentejo, was part of the national cycle of regional participatory meetings preceding the National Conference on Food and Nutritional Security. It brought together representatives from public administration, municipalities, intermunicipal communities, producers, civil society, health entities, and consumers to discuss the challenges and opportunities of food and nutritional security in the region.
The afternoon included a welcome address by the Vice-President of the CCDR Alentejo, Helena Cortes Cavaco, and presentations of experiences from four Alentejo sub-regions. Projects and best practices were shared from initiatives such as the Food Strategy of Montemor-o-Novo, the Food Network of Mértola, the SAL Odemira project, and initiatives from Alto Alentejo, highlighting the role of local food strategies and territorial cooperation networks in promoting proximity production and short supply chains.
Two round tables deepened the debate. The first panel, “From Production to Consumption: Challenges of the Territory”, featured the Vice-President of the CCDR Alentejo for Health, Marciano Lopes, as keynote speaker, and included participation from representatives of CERSUL, DECO Alentejo, Food Bank Against Hunger, Regional Tourism Entity of Alentejo and Ribatejo, a farmer, and a nutritionist.
Participatory workshops on Production, Consumption, and Health, led by Marta Cortegano, Francisca Valério, and Deborah Monteiro, identified local practices and projects, focusing on promoting healthy eating habits, seasonal and sustainable products, and valuing the Mediterranean Diet. Measures and priorities for ENSANP were discussed, considering regional specificities.
The second panel, “The Contribution of CIMs to ENSANP”, was moderated by the Vice-President of the CCDR Alentejo, Helena Cortes Cavaco, and included participation from representatives of the Intermunicipal Communities of Alentejo Litoral, Baixo Alentejo, and Alto Alentejo, reinforcing the importance of integrated policies for agricultural production, healthy eating, and territorial cohesion.
The meeting recognized the role of municipalities, associations, educational institutions, and agri-food sector stakeholders in implementing projects for food literacy, combating food waste, and valuing regional products. These initiatives contribute to the sustainability of food systems and the improvement of population health.
The President of the CCDR Alentejo, Ricardo Pinheiro, closed the event, highlighting the dialogue among all stakeholders in the food chain and the need for coordinated responses. Vice-Presidents Sónia Ramos and Silvino Alhinho were also present.
Through this initiative, the CCDR Alentejo strengthens dialogue on food and nutritional security in the region, in coordination with sector entities.
