Montpellier Global Days 2026: FOOD, PEOPLE, PLANET
The scientific conference will take place 24 June 2026, at the University of Montpellier, in the premises of the Institute of Botany, just steps away from Montpellier historical Botanical Garden. It will bring together the scientific community, institutional representatives, international partners, and territorial stakeholders.
An opening evening will be held on 23 June 2026, bringing together local producers and distinguished guests for tastings and presentations aimed at a broader audience. It will help strengthen the connection between science, territory, and society by providing a space for exchanges between members of civil society and the scientific community.
CONCEPT NOTE
In 1935, the first Protected Designations of Origin (“Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée”, AOC) were established in France for a limited number of wine productions. More than 90 years later, the concept of quality labels in food systems has expanded far beyond viticulture and beyond France’s borders. Today, it stands as a key pillar of sustainable food systems, grounded in the protection of terroirs, the recognition of know-how, product traceability, and nutritional quality.
Beyond their regulatory dimension, these quality labels embody long-term human, collective, and territorial commitments. They are built on the engagement of women and men rooted in communities and territories who work—both in France and internationally—to produce, preserve, and promote quality food. It is in this spirit of celebration that the University of Montpellier and its partners are organizing an international day of scientific exchange dedicated to quality labels in food systems.
The objective of this event is to highlight the women and men committed to producing quality food, while showcasing the scientific excellence of Montpellier and its international partners working jointly to safeguard it. The day also aims to foster dialogue on the role of quality labels in addressing global environmental and nutritional challenges, and to strengthen international cooperation. This event fully aligns with the University of Montpellier’s “Feed – Care – Protect” strategy and its ambition to stimulate global reflection on these issues as part of the Montpellier Global Days.
Discussions will address cross-cutting themes such as codification and regulation, nutrition and health, sustainable food systems, the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, as well as territorial and community dynamics, focusing on four emblematic sectors: wine, shellfish farming, rice, and coffee.
Each sector will be the focus of a dedicated scientific session bringing together researchers, local authorities, territorial stakeholders, and international partners. Doctoral candidates from the University of Montpellier’s partner universities, engaged in research on sustainable food systems, will also contribute to the event.
Speakers from Japan, Thailand, Costa Rica, the USA, South Africa, Canada, among others, are expected to attend…