Food Pioneers brings Almere’s practical experience to FOODCITYBOOST in Wrocław
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Is urban agriculture part of the food supply of the future? The European FOODCITYBOOST project is exploring how urban food systems can develop through six Living Labs. Almere is one of these Living Labs, alongside Wrocław, Valladolid, Riga, Brussels and Sofia.
In early June, Food Pioneers colleagues Anneleid Linthorst, Jan Eelco Jansma and Guusje Weeber travelled to Wrocław, Poland, for a FOODCITYBOOST consortium meeting. Stakeholders from across Europe came together to present the first findings and look ahead to the third and final phase of the research.
Almere as a Living Lab for urban agriculture
Urban agriculture includes different forms of food production within an urban environment, such as pick-your-own gardens, allotments and urban farms. In Flevoland, urban and rural areas are closely connected. This makes Almere a unique environment for conducting research into urban agriculture.
FOODCITYBOOST is examining the impact of urban agriculture across several areas. This includes its effects on soil and biodiversity, as well as the social and economic circumstances of the users and growers involved in urban agriculture initiatives. The measurements will ultimately be used to develop policy recommendations.
The role of Food Pioneers
Food Pioneers acts as the Living Lab coordinator and connects local stakeholders with international researchers. Over the past few years, several researchers have visited Almere to conduct measurements, organise workshops and speak with residents.
During the meeting in Wrocław, the first findings were presented and participants visited two local urban agriculture initiatives. The different Living Labs also provided
updates on their activities.
On behalf of Food Pioneers, Guusje Weeber presented what has taken place in Almere so far as part of FOODCITYBOOST. She also called on the researchers to help translate abstract findings into practical recommendations that local growers and urban farmers can use to further strengthen their platform.
Urban agriculture in Almere on film
The film Practitioner Success Stories from Almere highlights successful examples of urban agriculture in Almere.
