Governance in food systems refers to processes, structures and actor constellations that shape decision-making and activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of food. It is about negotiating, implementing and evaluating collective priorities of food systems transformation while building a shared understanding of synergies and trade-offs among diverse sectors, scales and stakeholders. (See United Nations Food Systems Summit (2021) Policy Brief - Governance of Food Systems Transformation UNFSS 2021 Governance of Food Systems Transformation). It recognises that citizen–state relations are shaped by established formal and informal rules, institutions and processes through which power is exercised, and needs, interests and differences are articulated, negotiated and mediated.

Interconnections at a glance (governance)