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Explore core agrifood challenges like economic viability, policy access, climate adaptation and efficiency and find transformational trainings and tools to tackle them. Learn how Rural PM’s tailored programs address these issues. Agriculture and Food Landscape Challenges Take the Maturity Test Farmers, chefs, agrifood system actors face these common bottlenecks areas where even the best efforts often stall, wasting time, capital and potential. Here, you'll find case studies, field tested tactics and simple tools to help you take action. Whether you're optimizing farm operations, improving supply chains or running a food service business, these challenge areas offer clear, practical ways to move forward. Funding and Policy Accessible Funding & Enabling Policy Economic and Markets Economic Viability and Fair Markets Mindset and Operations Future Ready Operations and Knowledge Climate Volatility Climate Adaptation & Ecological Health Value and Supply Chain Modern Supply & Value Chains Trainings

Discover our mission: a social enterprise academy offering circular‑economy tools and training to optimize agrifood systems and protect ecosystems. Why Rural PM is a management academy focused on agriculture and food systems. Our work explores how farms, food businesses, HORECA professionals, projects and institutions can strengthen their capacity to improve operations, navigate uncertainty and create lasting value. Drawing from perspectives across agriculture, hospitality, organisational learning, technology and rural development, we develop practical tools, learning programmes and collaborative exercises designed to support improvement in current habitat conditions. Food systems are shaped every day through decisions made on farms, in kitchens, within food businesses and across the institutions that influence them. Some decisions strengthen resilience, efficiency and continuity. Others absorb time, resources and attention that could be invested elsewhere. Over the years, we became increasingly interested in the space between intention and execution. The place where policies meet implementation, where strategies meet operational realities and where long term ambitions depend on thousands of practical decisions made every day. Across agriculture, hospitality, rural development and food systems, similar questions kept emerging. How is value created? Where does it get lost? What allows some organisations to adapt and improve over time while others struggle with recurring pressures? Rural PM was created to explore these questions and to make practical knowledge more accessible to the people working across the farm to fork cycle. Today, our mission is to strengthen management capability across agriculture and food systems while contributing to the protection of environmental resources, rural livelihoods and gastronomic heritage. Several questions continue to guide our work. How can farmers and food businesses create more value with the resources already available to them? How can policies, programmes and investments better connect with operational realities on the ground? How can organisations strengthen their capacity to adapt, coordinate and improve under growing uncertainty? And how can stronger management contribute to healthier ecosystems, thriving rural economies and enduring food cultures?

Empower agrifood professionals with tools and training for circular management, waste reduction and operational efficiency. Free tools included at Rural PM Academy. Paths to Resilient and Circular Food Systems Agriculture and food systems are shaped by daily decisions. Some create value. Others absorb time, resources and attention. Rural PM helps farmers, food businesses and organisations strengthen their capacity to improve operations, navigate uncertainty and create lasting impact. +more Understanding the Challenge Farmers, chefs, food businesses, policymakers and territorial leaders often face different challenges on the surface. Yet many share similar underlying causes. Coordination, uncertainty, resource constraints, market pressures and implementation gaps frequently shape outcomes more than strategy alone. Explore practical tools, examples and exercises designed to help identify where change can create the greatest value. Funding and Policy Accessible Funding & Enabling Policy Economic and Markets Economic Viability and Fair Markets Mindset and Operations Future Ready Operations and Knowledge Climate Volatility Climate Adaptation & Ecological Health Value and Supply Chain Modern Supply & Value Chains Not sure where to start? The Maturity Test helps identify strengths, bottlenecks and opportunities across your organisation. Assess your current situation, explore key challenges and prioritise where to focus next. Start making measurable improvements. Today. Take the Maturity Test MVP Lab Grant/Funding Preparation Transformation Blueprint Classes SROI Tour Level Up 360 ° Curious about transforming your farm or restaurant business? Adopt efficient practices for stability and lasting impact under 3 months. Preselection begins 2.week of each month. Secure Funding Assess your organization’s strengths and gaps to ensure alignment with the priorities of funders and public grant programs. Upgrade Your Venture Turn your agrifood idea into an investor ready venture in less than 8 weeks with expert mentorship and proven validation tools. Vitamins for Circular Mindset and Performance Level up your performance with practical tools to streamline operations, cut significant waste and drive sustainable innovation. Social Value Assessment Tourism in Food and Agriculture A tourism program designed to bring SROI (Social Return on Investment) Analysis into the field. Along these tours, participants discover socio economical, ecological or environmental aspects of where they are traveling at that moment to improve their understanding and consciousness on social impact issues. Tool Library Maturity Test Calculators Field Notes Tools for Operational Improvement Explore practical exercises, templates and operational tools developed through years of work with farmers, food businesses and HORECA professionals. Designed to reduce carbon footprint [1] [2], waste, improve resource efficiency and strengthen the coordination and implementation capacity needed to turn ideas, policies and strategies into practical results. Membership Personas Exercise Characterise your target consumers to make better product or service decisions. Design Thinking Workshop Exercise A problem solving approach that prioritizes empathy and creativity to develop user centered solutions. Gemba walk exercise - HORECA Connect theory and practice by bringing leaders to the workplace to observe workflows as they happen. JIT exercise - HORECA A management approach that synchronizes raw material orders with production schedules. Share content, expand knowledge for all Ask for tailoring Assess Workability Quantify different scenarios to understand better future outcomes. Technical Insights Observations from farms, kitchens, food businesses, policy discussions and territorial initiatives exploring how agrifood systems work in practice.

Discover Rural PM’s tools for publishing agriculture and food professionals. Address challenges funding hurdles, market shifts, operational bottlenecks, climate pressures and supply chain gaps through practical tools and insights. Tools and Publishing We’re here to help agrifood innovators, communities and businesses shape a food system that’s sustainable, circular and deeply rooted in local traditions. At Agrifood Solutions Publishing, we create content to address challenges funding hurdles, market shifts, operational bottlenecks, climate pressures and supply chain gaps through practical tools and insights. Our work rests on 5 pillars, each tied to a core challenge we see in the agrifood world today: Sustainability & Circular Bioeconomy Value & Supply Chain Project & Ops Management Business & Market Development Policy & Rural Governance What’s Coming Next We’re working toward a future where circular agrifood ventures are the norm where waste turns into new flavors, ancestral knowledge fuels innovation and every choice strengthens local ecosystems and economies. Look out for new training programs, expanded value mapping tools and practical guides like updated SROI frameworks and circular bioeconomy playbooks. We’re also doubling down on connecting mission driven ventures with non dilutive funding to preserve regional culinary identities and build resilient, place based food systems.

Agrifood Solutions: We’re here to help farmers, chefs, cooperatives and anyone working in food systems tackle real challenges with practical, hands on tools and insights. ​​ Agrifood Solutions Publishing Agrifood Solutions is a publishing initiative under Rural PM Academy. We’re here to help farmers, chefs, cooperatives and anyone working in food systems tackle real challenges with practical, hands on tools and insights. Our mission is to empower each player on agriculture and food landscape with tools and knowledge to create circular, resilient food systems. We do this by: Sharing practical guides, toolkits and playbooks that break down complex ideas into steps you can actually use. Providing data driven insights through reports and dashboards to help you adapt to climate shifts and market changes. Lifting up local voices with case studies and micro publications that recognize and share community driven solutions. We want every farmer, chef and cooperative to have what they need to thrive, no matter where they are or what challenges they face. Here’s what drives us: Real impact: Every resource we create whether it’s a field guide or a funding toolkit, is designed to help you save resources, reduce emissions, or strengthen your community. Local relevance: We blend cutting edge research with on the ground realities to ensure our tools make sense for your context. Inclusivity: We seek out and share stories from underrepresented voices, bringing their ideas to a global stage. Collaboration: We work with research institutes, NGOs and local networks to build solutions that scale and last. Transparency: We’re open about our process, welcome your feedback and keep refining our work to serve you better. Join our community on Patreon to support our work and get exclusive access to our latest resources, advisory briefs and behind the scenes updates. Your support helps us keep our publications open, accessible and focused on real impact.

Explore Rural PM’s SROI Tour: Measure social impact in farm to fork systems with a comprehensive, broader perspective. SROI Tour Our Social Return on Investment (SROI) Tour is a unique program that brings SROI analysis into real world contexts through immersive travel experiences. Participants explore the socio economic, ecological and environmental aspects of the regions they visit, gaining deeper insights into social impact issues. The tour’s primary goal is to bring SROI analysis to life, raising awareness of environmental challenges and fostering greater consciousness. By engaging with local communities and ecosystems, we aim to mobilize stakeholders and interested parties to take tangible action towards circularity, creating lasting, positive change both locally and globally. Join for the next trip

Join Rural PM at the United Nations Sustainable Food Systems Programme Conference to explore sustainable food system solutions and management tools. Topic: Modernizing the mindset and operating models of food system actors Conference Registration Side Event United Nations Sustainable Food Systems Programme 2023 This conference panel will explore the importance of mindset and operating models in modernizing the food system. At global scale our food system is facing numerous challenges including climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity erosion, food waste, unsustainable agricultural practices and public health. To address these challenges, decision makers must rethink their positions towards new approaches and ways of working. In this panel unique speakers which are strong in their domain, will share their unique insights and will discuss the need for modernizing the mindset and operating models of food system actors. The discussion will revolve around the following themes: Mindset transformation: First topic to kick off will be the need for a paradigm shift in the way food system actors think about their roles and responsibilities. They will revisit the importance of adopting a more holistic approach that considers the entire food value chain, from production to recycling. Operating model innovation: Around this theme we will discuss the importance of leveraging technology to optimize food system operations and developing innovative operating models that increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve sustainability. Circular economy adaptations: Here we will debate about promoting sustainable practices such as reducing waste, increasing resource efficiency, and designing for reuse and regeneration. Policy and regulation: Finally, we will touch on the role of policy and regulation in facilitating the modernization of the food system. Discussion will focus on the need for policies that incentivize innovation and support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Overall, this panel aims to provide insights into the importance of why our way of thinking and way of working across the entire food system needs modernization urgently. Moreover it will offer practical recommendations for food system actors to adopt new approaches and strategies to address the challenges facing the global food system. Speakers Roger Spitz - President of Techistential (Climate & Foresight Strategy) and Chair of the Disruptive Futures Institute Based in San Francisco, Roger Spitz is a world-leading authority on foresight, sustainability, and transformative innovation. His latest book Disruption as a Springboard to Value Creation (Volume IV from “The Definitive Guide to Thriving on Disruption” collection) became a bestseller in Green Business & Sustainable Development Economics (Amazon). Techistential, Roger’s renowned climate & strategic foresight practice, advises boards, leadership teams, and investors on sustainable value creation. Roger is an inaugural member of Cervest’s Climate Intelligence Council, a contributor to IEEE’s ESG standards, and the Foresight & Sustainability partner of Vektor Partners (Palo Alto, London), an impact VC firm investing in the future of mobility. Sharon Cittone - Founder and CEO of Edible Planet Ventures . G100 Global Chair 4 Food Innovation, Food Tech Junkies Podcast Host, Ecosystem Builder and Community Shaper, Board Member, Mentor and Advisor, TedX Speaker & Expert Sharon has been at the forefront of building and growing the global food and agtech ecosystem for the better part of a decade. Her work with start-ups, corporations, investors, policymakers, institutions and youth landed her the title of one of Forbes’ most powerful women shaping the future of food. She is the Founder & CEO of Edible Planet Ventures, a systemic platform that aims to reshape our food system by convening leading voices and visionaries to collaborate and innovate around the most pressing challenges of today. Sharon is active in several other roles. She currently is a Founding Board Member of the AgrifoodTech Italia Association, part of the scientific advisory committee of BAM - Biblioteca degli Alberi, and sits on the Advisory Board of the World Food Programme Italia. She’s also a mentor for both Rockstart Agrifood and the FoodTech Accelerator, on the advisory committee of two funds, part of the United for Regeneration-Now Partners team, and Global Chair for Food Innovation for the G100, a group of global leaders all joined in a pact of purpose to create massive opportunities for women worldwide. Sonalie Figueiras - Founder & Editor-in-Chief Green Queen - and Co-Founder & CEO Source Green 2021 Women of Power, 2019 GEN T Honoree, V Label Global Hero, 2 x TEDx Speaker: Serial social entrepreneur & trends forecaster Sonalie Figueiras is a sustainability expert, food futurist and eco-powerhouse who has been inspiring global audiences for over a decade with practical steps on how to fight climate change. Known as the Green Queen of Asia, she is the founder and Editor in Chief of the award-winning Green Queen - the region’s first impact media platform that educates millions of readers on the connection between health, sustainability and the environment and showcases future solutions. She is also the co-founder and CEO of organic sourcing platform Ekowarehouse and climate tech SaaS Source Green, which helps consumer brands quit plastic packaging thanks to proprietary plastic reduction software In addition, Sonalie is a global keynote speaker and an advisor to multiple mission-driven startups and NGOs, and a venture partner to several VC funds. Christopher Koetke - Chairman of Worldchef's Feed The Planet Committee; Corporate Executive Chef at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc He is currently Corporate Executive Chef at Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc, and the Chair of the Feed the Planet Committee of Worldchefs. Indeed, having a 40-years experience of working in the foodservice industry and given his global travels experimenting with ingredients and flavors, Chris is a well-known expert on culinary matters. Therefore, in 2010, he was given the inaugural Chefs Collaborative Pathfinder Award for his work in making sustainability mainstream both within foodservice operations and education.  + Canberk Genc - Change and Education Programs - Founder of Rural PM Canberk is a farmer, management advisor, system thinker in agriculture, food systems and organizational agility subjects. He led many initiatives with pioneering organizations on a global scale, counting more than 82000 hours project portfolio management experience in environments such as banking, app and SaaS development, biotech, supply chain, retail, hospitality and agriculture. After witnessing environmental erosion and participating in group studies in the EU Commission, he helped to establish Rural PM in 2016 with the aim of strengthening the management models of farm to fork system actors to improve their value creation in a regenerative way. OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES This conference aims to make a substantial contribution to the UN Food Systems Summit’s follow-up process, in view of the first Stock-Taking Moment that is tentatively scheduled for June/July 2023 (TBC). It will build on the past fruitful collaborations of the SFS Programme with the UN FSS Secretariat and the current Coordination Hub, as well as the expertise and tools of the SFS Programme and the outcomes of the Programme’s previous three global conferences. Following the recommendations of the SFS Programme’s 3rd conference and building on the momentum and the findings of the UNFSS, the objectives of the 4th global conference are: To present transformational actions, tools and initiatives that have emerged since the UNFSS with a view to promote their uptake and upscaling in national and local policy-making processes. To further promote the food systems approach and inclusive governance and collaboration at all levels – including multilateral and particularly Rio Conventions - with a view to foster their uptake for the development of multi-sectoral action plans towards sustainable consumption and production in food systems; and To provide a space for National Convenors, UNFSS coalitions and other relevant multi-actor initiatives as well as other food systems actors, to build capacities and deepen their collective efforts towards sustainable food systems pathways, in view of the UNFSS 2023 Stock-Taking Moment. The expected outcomes of the conference are: Evidence-based recommendations on a range of transformational actions to refine, and achieve integration across National Pathways, climate NDCs, CBD targets and the broader SDGs, and increase implementation with a focus on inclusive governance and collaboration, integrated policies and means of implementation; and Update of progress/commitments/new processes by countries and other stakeholders on National Pathways and other food systems transformation actions. Strengthen the UNFSS 'Ecosystem of Support' and its linkages to the SFS Programme. The conference will enable diverse stakeholders to showcase early signs of success in implementing UN FSS results, including by presenting tools and techniques that deal with interdependencies and trade-offs of the food systems challenges, allowing the sharing of lessons and experiences, with the goal of strengthening alliances and impactful initiatives that can deliver concrete actions in support of National Pathways. The conference will also discuss food system challenges and peer-to-peer learning and sharing of experiences from across the globe, emphasizing Asian region country participation. BACKGROUND Over a third of the Earth’s habitable land supports agriculture, providing livelihoods for nearly half the world’s population. 21–37 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are traceable to our food systems, driven primarily by deforestation, land use change, and land management activities. According to the United Nations Environment Programme/Chatham House, ‘Agriculture is the single largest cause of land-use change and habitat destruction, accounting for 80 per cent of all land-use change globally’. Global food systems leave approximately 828 million people (one in ten) affected by hunger, and more than 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. About two-thirds of the extremely poor live in rural areas where most food is produced. There is an urgent need to build sustainable food systems that are healthy for people and the planet as put forth by the UN Secretary General’s convening of the first Food Systems Summit in 2021. The UNFSS generated unprecedented awareness and momentum on the pivotal role sustainable food systems play in achieving the SDGs and a 1.5-degree world. Through the UNFSS emphasis on dialogue and multi-sectoral plans, over 100 countries developed ‘Food Systems Transformation National Pathways’, the foundation for the necessary transformative action we need. A few months later, in June 22, and in acknowledgement of the successive multiple interrelated crises (the 4 Cs: COVID-19, high costs, new conflicts, and climate change) that have exacerbated the dire challenges that were already afflicting our society, the Stockholm+50 international meeting stated that a healthy planet may require a review of the way our current economic system works, including through defining and adopting new measures of progress and human well-being, supported by economic and fiscal instruments and multi-sectorial policy action that account for the value of human health and the environment. This unprecedented new background calls for ever more urgent transformative action at scale, requiring countries to deliver on Food Systems Transformation National Pathways and related commitments, which will be accounted for in the first UNFSS Stock-Taking meeting in 2023. The 4th global conference of the SFS Programme will take place before the Stock-taking meeting contributing to its preparations and building momentum by providing early signals of progress towards the transformation we need. ABOUT THE SFS PROGRAMME The Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) Programme is a multi-stakeholder partnership with the aim to accelerate the transformation towards sustainable consumption and production patterns in all areas related to food, with a special focus on promoting a holistic food systems approach in policy making. The SFS Programme is part of the One Planet Network (10YFP), the UN mandated mechanism to foster Sustainable Consumption and Production (SDG12). The SFS Programme currently has over 190 members worldwide, bringing together leading organizations from government, the UN system, civil society, the scientific community, and the private sector. The Co-Leads of the SFS Programme are Costa Rica (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock), Switzerland (Federal Office for Agriculture), and WWF, and they are supported by a 23-member Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC). The SFS Programme played an active role in the preparatory process of the UN Food Systems Summit (UN FSS) that took place in September 2021. Among other things, it organized the 1st Global Food Systems Summit Dialogue as part of the ‘3rd global conference of the SFS Programme ’, and several of its members were chairing the UN FSS’s action tracks as well as the development of the multi-stakeholder action coalitions that came out of the UN FSS. Now, the SFS Programme aims to support the processes established by the UNFSS’s outcomes, including by making its tools readily available to coalitions and countries in support of the National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation, and by providing a space for co-creation and exchange among the different UN FSS coalitions, other relevant initiatives, National Convenors, and the wide range of actors that share the vision on sustainable food systems. The newly adopted UN Global SCP Strategy , foresees that the UN One Planet network and the broader ‘SCP community’ support the UNFSS follow-up process, including through the leadership of the SFS Programme.

Discover your team’s maturity level in agrifood management: free diagnostic to map strengths, identify gaps and plan improvement actions. How the Maturity Scoring Works Your answers are matched to one of 5 maturity levels. Each reflecting a distinct stage of development in the agrifood journey. Behind the scenes, our system evaluates patterns across all areas and assigns the level that best represents your current strengths and systems. This is a profile designed to reflect the complexity of real life operations. The goal is to tailor the insights and resources you receive. Whether you're just getting started or leading systemic change, your results will guide you toward the most relevant next steps to grow with purpose and impact.

Learn how to secure grant funding for agriculture and food initiatives with RuralPM’s expert guidance. Prepare successful agrifood project funding proposals with strategic workshops, partner matching and tailored support for 1M–5M€ grants. Grant & Funding Preparation Objectives Enhance strategic readiness and skills: Equip grant seekers with strategic and operational skills through management classes and systems thinking exercises enabling them to build compelling, sustainable project cases. Simplify grant process and build networks: Clarify funding challenges with actionable guidance and connect participants to our exclusive, pre vetted network of experts, stakeholders and partners to strengthen collaboration. Develop aligned proposals and consortiums: Craft proposals and build high caliber consortiums that align with funders’ priorities, such as the EU’s Green Deal or Farm to Fork (or other government funding), to maximize approval chances. Outcomes Enhanced skills in project design and grant strategy through targeted training. Improved funding approval rates, targeting a 30%+ win rate through precise alignment with funding criteria. Access to grants of 1M-5M€ to support impactful agrifood projects. Progression from planning to implementation with secured funding. Impacts Contribution to EU priorities like sustainability and innovation through funded projects. Strengthened organizational capacity and competitive positioning in the agrifood sector. Economic growth and job creation driven by successful initiatives. Duration 1-5 Weeks: Early stage projects (3-5 weeks) involve workshops and strategic planning; advanced projects (1-2 weeks) focus on consortium building and proposal submission. Interested Profiles SMEs and startups: Agrifood innovators seeking their first major grant but lacking grant expertise. Research consortia: Universities and research centers needing proposal coordination and partner alignment. Producer cooperatives: Groups pursuing sustainability or technology projects but struggling with impact narratives. Program Components Management classes and systems thinking: Deliver workshops and exercises to develop strategic project design and systems thinking for sustainable, impactful initiatives. Call matching and strategic analysis: Identify optimal funding opportunities and align projects with funders’ strategic goals. Consortium curation: Select high quality partners from our exclusive European network to enhance project credibility. End to end proposal development: Manage proposal writing, budgeting and submission with expert guidance.

INSPIRE-level executive programme for senior agrifood leaders applying lean systems tools to strengthen operational resilience and strategic transformation capacity. Lean Systems for Agrifood Transformation For Leaders and Trainers Operational Transformation Lab for Agrifood Leaders ▲ INSPIRE Level ▲ 2-Day Intensive ▲ Limited to 15 Senior Professionals - Executives ▲ €1650 Strategic systems thinking, lean transformation methods and practical prototyping tools designed to help senior professionals strengthen organisational resilience and navigate operational complexity across agrifood systems. ▶ Executive admissions open for October–November 2026 cohorts Why this programme Agrifood organisations are increasingly navigating structural complexity shaped by supply chain fragility, cost volatility, sustainability pressures, regulatory expansion and organisational resistance to change. Incremental improvement alone is often no longer sufficient to respond effectively to these conditions. This programme supports senior professionals in developing practical strategic capabilities to: Diagnose structural operational vulnerabilities Prototype resilient operating models and system redesigns Integrate long-term social return and SROI thinking into decision-making processes Apply lean systems thinking across organisations, teams and networks Scale transformation initiatives beyond isolated operational improvements The programme is designed for professionals leading organisational transformation, capability building and systems-level improvement processes. Who should apply This programme is designed for experienced professionals operating within leadership, transformation and capability-building roles across agrifood systems, including: Senior agrifood managers Sustainability and transformation directors Cooperative executives Extension agents and facilitators Professional trainers and consultants Organisational change leaders Participants should hold active responsibilities linked to organisational improvement, transformation, coordination or strategic implementation. A minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience is recommended. Structure The 2-day intensive lab is organised around two applied transformation blocks. Day 1: Systems Diagnosis and Transformation Prototyping Lean systems thinking foundations Operational vulnerability mapping Resilient systems prototyping Day 2: Leadership Activation and Scaling Strategic implementation planning SROI and long-term impact integration Scaling lean systems across organisations and networks Total learning time: 16 hours through intensive collaborative delivery. Cohort size is intentionally limited to support depth, peer exchange, strategic dialogue and applied transformation work. Gain and Outcomes By the end of the programme, participants will have: Evaluated structural operational vulnerabilities within complex systems Developed a resilient transformation prototype Applied structured SROI and systems reasoning approaches Built an operational implementation roadmap Strengthened strategic leadership capabilities under complexity The emphasis is practical transformation, structured decision-making and long term organisational resilience. Cohort and Application Details Cohort 1 Applications open: 1 September – 10 October 2026 Programme delivery: 15–16 October 2026 Cohort 2 Applications open: 15 October – 20 November 2026 Programme delivery: 26–27 November 2026 Programme fee: €1650 (tax included) Applications are reviewed to ensure alignment, commitment and strong peer-level exchange across the cohort.