The goal of the project “Future of Urban Agriculture” is to identify and appraise executed agriculture initiatives in the urban setting, exchange knowledge and share experience in the field of urban agriculture and sustainable food production in the Nordic region and the Baltic states. The active partners of the project are Nordregio, the Nordic research institution in the field of regional development, policy, and planning in Sweden, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia, and NordForsk, a financial organisation for Nordic cooperation in research and research infrastructure. These institutions have joined forces to create a platform for exploring the potential of sustainable urban agriculture.
Within the project, a group of stakeholders, including municipalities, small and medium-sized enterprises, representatives of civil society, universities, and Nordic organisations, participated in several webinars and two exchange trips to Oslo and Helsinki. The goal of these trips was to learn about urban gardening initiatives and research institutions and to establish a network of contacts between Latvian and Nordic institutions.
During the visit to Oslo, project participants explored several sustainable urban agriculture initiatives, including:
- A wastewater treatment system designed by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), which provides high-quality water suitable for urban irrigation (including plants used in food production).
- NMBU’s “foam” greenhouse with double-walled insulation filled with foam made of detergents.
- The Geitmyra School’s urban garden covering approximately 3 hectares of land in the heart of Oslo. Each class has a dedicated portion of the garden for primary school pupils and teachers to engage in gardening activities. The goal of this garden is to enhance their understanding of nature and sustainable development.
In Helsinki, project participants visited the non-governmental organisation “Dodo”. They shared their experience on launching an urban agriculture start-up, as well as on involvement of young people and students in urban farming practices and projects, and on the activity of local residents in community garden initiatives.
The webinars discussed various challenges related to the future of agriculture in cities, with a particular focus on three aspects:
1) innovation and legislation;
2) culture and society, and
3) education and science.
The dialogue between representatives of the Nordic and Baltic countries is crucial for promoting sustainable urban development and urban planning with a view to the future, as well as for exchanging knowledge and best practices. Topics related to food security, sustainable food supply systems, research in waste recycling, inclusion of various social groups, and the role of urban agriculture in urban development are all interconnected themes.
Webinar 1
Cultivating Change: The Future of Urban Agriculture in the Nexus of Innovation and Legislation
This webinar discusses the transformative power of innovation and legislation in the field of urban agriculture and introduces the latest technologies, practices, and policy directions that are reshaping urban farming. The webinar also provides insights into how innovation can maximize food production, improve sustainability indicators, and ensure sustainable development. Legislation plays a crucial role in creating a favourable environment for the flourishing of urban agriculture.
Webinar video is available here.
Abridged version of the webinar is available here.
Webinar 2
Cultivating Community: The Future of Urban Agriculture in Connection with Culture
This webinar explores the link between urban agriculture, culture, and community building, explaining how urban farming can strengthen community ties, promote cultural diversity, and foster social cohesion. Community gardens, rooftop gardens, or other urban agriculture projects contribute to a healthy lifestyle, the preservation of cultural heritage, and maintain people’s connection with nature.
Webinar video is available here.
Abridged version of the webinar is available here.
Webinar 3
Cultivating Knowledge: The Future of Urban Agriculture in Connection with Education and Science
In this webinar, the significant role of education and science in the future of urban agriculture is discussed, highlighting how educational initiatives and scientific achievements contribute to innovation and sustainable urban farming. The webinar also explains the educational potential of urban agriculture, fostering curiosity, raising awareness of environmental issues, and deepening understanding of food and nutrition.
Webinar video is available here.
Abridged version of the webinar is available here.
These webinars provide valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of urban agriculture and its potential for sustainable urban development and well-being.
To learn more about th project and related content, please click here.
