When crises disrupt the global food system, whether caused by conflict, extreme weather, market shifts, or supply chain disruptions, no single entity can respond effectively alone. Governments, industry, researchers, and civil society each bring essential strengths, but their efforts are often fragmented and disconnected from one another. This is why the SecureFood project is developing a Resilience Governance Framework, inclusive of a new cooperation mechanism designed to help these actors come together and work more systematically and effectively.
This mechanism builds on established research in Inter-Organizational Relationships (Cropper et al., 2008) and aims to clarify roles, improve coordination, and overcome common barriers that prevent easier cooperation, such as resource limitations, conflicting priorities, and power imbalances. Importantly, it also recognises that collaboration can succeed without requiring organisations to give up their autonomy, instead providing a structured way to share information, pool expertise, and respond more efficiently during food system crises.
Undoubtedly, effective cooperation has tangible benefits for everyone involved. Industry can strengthen its credibility and maintain market access, governments can better safeguard food availability, researchers gain access to valuable data, and civil society benefits from greater transparency and security. Taken together, these outcomes contribute to a more resilient, trusted, and well-functioning food system.
We need your perspective
To make this cooperation mechanism truly meaningful, it must reflect the needs and experiences of those who are part of the food system every day. Your insights will play a vital role in shaping how stakeholders collaborate and how the SecureFood framework supports crisis preparedness and response across Europe.
Share your perspective by completing the survey here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/SecureFood_GovernanceFramework_2026
By taking part, you are helping us build a stronger, more resilient European food system that can better withstand and respond to future challenges.
The SecureFood project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101136583. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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