Project

SUPURBFOOD - Towards sustainable modes of urban and peri-urban food provisioning

Short food supply chains have been advocated as a means to reduce the environmental impact of the agro-food system. However, to improve the ecological performance of the agro-food system, other flows (e.g. nutrients, water, and urban waste) need to be considered as well. In the current context these aspects are usually addressed separately. This project will treat them in an integrated manner.

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Project aims

Short food supply chains have been advocated as a means of rural development, as they improve the position of primary producers in the value chain. In this proposal we look at short supply chains from the perspective of urban rather than rural development. Short supply chains can play a role in addressing urban problems such as climate change, obesity, storm water control, etc.

Short food supply chains have been advocated as a means to reduce CO2 impact of the agricultural system. Although a eduction of food miles certainly contributes to reducing climate impact, this proposal takes as premise that to really improve reduction of food miles certainly contributes to reducing climate impact, this proposal takes as premise that to really improve the ecological performance of the food system other flows of goods and services need to be shortened as well (e.g. nutrient, water, and carbon cycles need to be closed). In the current context these aspects are usually treated separately, this proposal argues to treat them more integrated.

The research will analyse the way in which several European city regions deal with short supply chains in food, nutrients, water, and carbon. The project will facilitate selected SMEs to further innovate in food production and delivery, nutrient and water management, and multifunctional use of space, and will disseminate the results among a wider audience of SMEs.

Research will be carried out in seven European city-regions (Rotterdam (NL), Rome (IT), Ghent (BE), Vigo (ES), Bristol (UK), Zürich (CH) and Riga (LV)) in collaboration with a diverse group of SMEs and will identify innovate modes of urban and peri-urban food provisioning, nutrient, water and waste management, and multifunctional use of urban and peri-urban space.

The project will also establish links with researchers, policymakers and SMEs in these domains in developing countries. This will be organised through a process of dialogue, sharing of experiences, exchange of best practice and joint learning.