Food democracy is a counter-reaction to this great decision-making power of multinationals and international organisations in our current food system. Supporters argued for a democratically organised food system in which citizens, farmers and local traders take an active role in shaping it. In doing so, they jointly seek answers to food issues that affect them, and actively participate in the solutions they put forward. A democratic food system is embedded in the local context, ensuring it is tailored to the specific needs of residents, their health, and the impact on the environment. Local governments and CSOs would have an important function here. They are often close to citizens and can support them in various ways to take on this more active role.

The theory is there, but how do we organise food democracy at the city level? Will a democratic system also automatically be more sustainable and can it be organised in a socially inclusive way? How do we map the relationship with food in the various Ghent neighbourhoods? And how do we reach all the residents of these neighbourhoods? What infrastructure is needed for a democratic food city? For example, do we need places where citizens can produce and consume food together? How can technology support this movement and what about marketing techniques? What role can city government and local civil society organisations take in this?

These questions (and many others) are the start of the master experiment workshop on food democracy in Ghent.