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Matland Symposium
— Local food trade and vibrant food landscapes

Date 26 Nov 25
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Posted by Food Studio
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"How can we strengthen cities and local communities so that citizens have access to fresh, green, healthy and local food in season?" Who ensures better connections between the countryside and the city and inclusive communities through alternative food channels and new food environments? From city gardens and community stores to markets, food schools, small producers and farms in and around the city.

We joined one of the most interesting initiatives in the Nordic food scene, discussing food system change in Copenhagen on Thursday, November 20th. Matland symposium 2025 looked at how local initiatives that promote short value chains, transparency, community and learning are connected to municipal strategies, rural and urban development, the EU’s agricultural policy and global networks for small-scale trade and fair food systems. Madland Symposium collected experiences, inspired with initiatives and strengthens cooperation between people across Denmark. Madland also shared the most important insights from a brand new report with mapping and recommendations; Green food trade in Copenhagen – alternative, healthy and green food channels prepared for the Municipality of Copenhagen as a knowledge base, inspiration and dialogue tool in the political and strategic development of the new Food and Meal Strategy and for the Climate Strategy 2035.

The report is the key to a healthier and more resilient food city Madland is now publishing the report ‘Green food trade in Copenhagen – alternative, healthy and green food channels’, which has been prepared for the Municipality of Copenhagen as a dialogue tool for politicians, officials and other decision-makers. The report provides the first comprehensive overview of the many types of actors and alternative food channels and food environments that ensure Copenhageners have green, local and healthy food – and shows how they can play a central role in a more sustainable and socially anchored food city. The conclusion is clear: Copenhagen already has a strong food ecosystem and a committed field of actors, but the potential can only be realized through strategic prioritization, better framework conditions and political support

Download the report here.

Talks
Green food trade in Copenhagen – alternative, healthy and green food channels by Marie Sainabou Jeng, founder and program director, Madland

Alternative food systems: From market stalls to global network by Viola Capriola, founder of Grønt Marked and board member of the World Farmers Markets Coalition

Diverse agriculture and food trade as business, community and local anchoring. Mathias Olsen, farmer and owner of Palleshavegaard.

Copenhagen’s municipal strategies and plans by Jakob Heltoft, head of business and growth in the economic administration and Kathrine Overgaard Warberg unit manager in the Technical and Environmental Administration, Municipality of Copenhagen.

EU agricultural policy impact by Anders Led Behrend, farmer and deputy chairperson of Frie Bønder – Levende Land
Urban development and mobilization in Oslo with food and community as driving forces by Cecilie Dawes, founder of Food Studio.

If you want to more info and inspiration from matland we recommend to check out their podcast.

Photo: Liv Kastrup