“For me, the Open Food Network is an essential tool because it enables the different eaters of a given territory or community to connect and build initiatives together.” – Olivier De Schutter

We’re thrilled to welcome Olivier De Schutter as our newest Open Food Network ambassador! In this interview the former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food outlines three rules he uses to guide his food choices, and why he thinks the Open Food Network is so important to building a better food system. 

Olivier says:

“I am very proud to be an Open Food Network Ambassador. For me, the Open Food Network is an essential tool because it enables the different eaters of a given territory or community, to connect and build initiatives together.

It helps connect these eaters directly with local producers, enabling them to support the emergence of local agrifood systems. 

This virtual highway is a common resource, using the potential of digital media to connect these communities of eaters and farmers – working together for food sovereignty. It’s absolutely essential for these alternative systems to develop. This tool enables everyone to contribute to fill in information, that can be used to grow this virtual community, gathering connections and strength until finally it is the new mainstream agri-food system.“

Olivier says:

“I am very proud to be an Open Food Network Ambassador. For me, the Open Food Network is an essential tool because it enables the different eaters of a given territory or community, to connect and build initiatives together.

It helps connect these eaters directly with local producers, enabling them to support the emergence of local agrifood systems. 

This virtual highway is a common resource, using the potential of digital media to connect these communities of eaters and farmers – working together for food sovereignty. It’s absolutely essential for these alternative systems to develop. This tool enables everyone to contribute to fill in information, that can be used to grow this virtual community, gathering connections and strength until finally it is the new mainstream agri-food system.“