This seminar in Brussels in March 2023 brought together local and regional authorities, practitioners, and organisations working on access to land to discuss how public farmland can be managed in ways that support ecological farming and community needs. Hosted the Access to Land Network, the event focused on practical experiences from different regions, the tools authorities use to secure land, and the conditions that help new farmers get started. The discussions offered a grounded look at how public institutions can shape long-term, sustainable uses of farmland.
The three videos from the seminar highlight different ways local authorities can strengthen access to land. The first looks at how regulatory tools — from planning rules to land-use decisions — can open pathways for new farmers. The second explores how public land can be used more strategically to support agroecological projects and long-term stewardship. The third focuses on how authorities can help build resilient local land systems by fostering cooperation between public bodies, civil society, and farmers. Together, the interviews offer a clear picture of the practical levers available at local level.
