Direct sales take centre stage in a key meeting for the future of sustainable food in Catalonia
The Casa de l'Aigua de Trinitat Nova presented the meeting "Direct sales in farmers’ markets: singularity, role models and most important aspects".
A meeting was held on 30 May, organised by the Catalan government’s Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Food, and the Joint Office for Sustainable Food, as part of the Annual Technology Transfer Plan (PATT).
The session highlighted the importance of these markets as a way of strengthening ties between the rural and urban world, fostering direct sales and short distribution circuits and promoting healthier and more sustainable locally sourced food.
Successful experiences all around Europe
Successful international models were presented in the session, such as the Campagna Amica in Milan (Italy), the Mercadillo del Agricultor de Tacoronte in Tenerife and the Grønt Marked network in Copenhagen (Denmark). They all firmly back direct sales, sustainability and community involvement.
The sharing of experiences gave a voice to initiatives such as the Barcelona Coordinator for Farmers’ Markets, which manages nine markets in the city, and the Mercat de Gavà, which has become a role model in social and economic vitality and activity. The session also highlighted the importance of shared governance, the educational and cultural role of markets and the need for institutional support to ensure their feasibility.
Legal improvements, more involvement and facilitation
One of the main points was the analysis of the current legal framework. While directs sales are legally recognised, the lack of a clear definition of a “farmers’ market” and the difference in regulations between municipalities generate uncertainty among producers. Various speeches agreed with the need for a specific Catalan regulation that clearly sets apart these spaces of itinerant sales and guarantees fair and stable conditions for farmers.
Members of the public called for greater involvement from administrations in recognising the strategic value of farmers’ markets and access to the production sector in cities. To keep agriculture alive (a sector in crisis in Europe), we need to sell where there are people.
The Food Strategy of Catalonia 2025-2028 recognises local sales and short distribution circuits, including farmers’ markets, as a key tool for advancing towards a fairer locally sourced sustainable food system.