Who decides what we eat? And what happens when citizens don’t get involved?
Governments, corporations and a small circle of technical experts shape many of the decisions that affect our food systems. Yet the farmers, communities and citizens most affected by these decisions are often excluded from the policymaking process.
The Kofi Annan Foundation is seeking one civil society organisation in each of Switzerland, France and Ireland to join an innovative 24-month project exploring how deliberative democracy can strengthen food governance.
As an in-country partner, you will help bring together diverse stakeholders, contribute local expertise, and generate evidence that will inform national and global discussions on more inclusive food systems.
| At a glance |
|---|
| Partnership duration: 24 months |
| Countries: Switzerland, France, Ireland |
| One organisation selected per country |
| Sub-grant: CHF/EUR 9,000* |
| Commitment: Approximately 20 staff days |
| Deadline: 31 August 2026 |
*The grant will be awarded in the applicable currency, depending on the selected partner’s country.
➡️ Download the Expression of Interest documents and apply below.
About the project
Following the recommendations of the Kofi Annan Foundation’s high-level Commission on Food Security, we are launching Food & Democracy: From Citizen Voice to Global Governance Reform—a 24-month project exploring how deliberative democracy can strengthen food governance and create more inclusive, representative decision-making.
Running from 2026–2028, the project will explore whether deliberative approaches—such as citizens’ assemblies and food policy councils—can strengthen food governance in different political and institutional contexts.
Working together across France, Ireland and Switzerland, the project will generate practical evidence on how citizen participation can contribute to more legitimate, inclusive and accountable food policymaking.
The Kofi Annan Foundation will coordinate the overall methodology, facilitation and comparative learning process, working alongside an international knowledge partner responsible for research, learning and evaluation.
The project will conclude with a comparative policy brief and a hybrid convening that connects national findings to international policy discussions, including the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) and the European Commission.
Why partner with us
- Help shape an emerging field linking deliberative democracy and food governance.
- Collaborate with the Kofi Annan Foundation and international technical partners.
- Contribute to a comparative project across France, Ireland and Switzerland.
- Generate evidence that can influence national and global food governance discussions.
- Connect local experience with international policy processes, including the Committee on World Food Security.
Who we’re looking for
We are seeking one civil society organisation in each country with:
- strong roots in the food and/or democracy ecosystem;
- trusted relationships across civil society, government and other stakeholders;
- experience convening diverse actors;
- contextual knowledge and strategic judgement; and
- an interest in collaborative learning and innovation.
This is a collaborative partnership rather than a service contract. We are looking for organisations that will contribute local expertise, networks and strategic insight throughout the project.
Partnership model
Selected organisations will work closely with the Kofi Annan Foundation to:
- contribute to a shared baseline assessment;
- participate in two deliberative workshops;
- test a common evaluation framework;
- contribute to cross-country learning and comparative analysis; and
- support stakeholder engagement within their national context.
Each selected organisation will receive a CHF/EUR 9,000 sub-grant to support approximately 20 days of staff time over the 24-month project.
How to apply
Interested organisations are invited to submit an Expression of Interest outlining their suitability to become the national partner for their country.
Your submission (maximum five pages) should include:
- About your organisation – your mission, activities and why this project aligns with your work.
- Your network – the food, democracy and public sector stakeholders you work with and could engage through the project.
- Your understanding of the landscape – your perspective on bringing together food and democracy actors, and your experience with participatory or deliberative processes.
- Your team – the person who would lead this work and their relevant experience.
- Budget – a simple breakdown showing how you would allocate approximately 20 days of staff time (up to CHF/EUR 9,000).
Applications should be sent by 31 August 2026 with the appropriate subject line for your country as noted in the Expression of Interest.
Please download the full Expression of Interest documents below before applying.
Call for Collaboration – Food and Democracy – SwitzerlandDownload
Appel à collaboration – le système alimentaire et la démocratie – SuisseDownload
Call for Collaboration – Food and Democracy – IrelandDownload
Appel à collaboration – le système alimentaire et la démocratie – FranceDownload
