The cross-country visit to Poland, organised by the University of Warsaw, will focus on food provision systems and their transformation toward greater sustainability and resilience. Covering the entire value chain – from cooperatives and organic markets to logistics hubs – the program will explore how food is produced, distributed, and accessed across different institutional and market settings. It will also address the role of organic farming within these systems, with particular attention to its potential to support environmentally friendly practices, local economies, and consumer trust. Through site visits, stakeholder meetings, and discussions with practitioners, participants will gain insights into both the opportunities and challenges faced by actors along the supply chain. Particular attention will be given to identifying practical solutions for shortening supply chains, improving coordination between producers and consumers, and strengthening overall efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of the food system.
Across all three visits, participants will observe contrasting yet interconnected models of food provisioning: from large-scale wholesale distribution (Bronisze), through cooperative and participatory retail structures (Kooperatywa “Dobrze”), to urban organic markets (BioBazar). Together, these cases illustrate different configurations of the food value chain and provide a basis for discussing how supply chains can be shortened, made more transparent, and oriented toward sustainability and resilience.
To register, please contact wm.zawadzki(at)uw.edu.pl
Preliminary programme
DAY 0 (WEDNESDAY) – May 27
19.00-21.00 Welcome dinner (optional)
DAY 1 (THURSDAY) – May 28
07.00 Meeting point and departure preparation
07.00-08.00 Introductory briefing and transfer to Bronisze
08.00-10.00 Visit to Bronisze Wholesale Market
10.00-11.00 Transfer to Kooperatywa “Dobrze” and coffee (to go)
11.00-12.00 Visit to Kooperatywa “Dobrze”
12.00-13.30 Transfer to BioBazar market and Lunch
13.30-14.30 Visit to BioBazar market
14.30-15.00 Wrap-up key takeaways and goodbye drinks