Mediterranean cities are developing innovative initiatives and adopting new approaches to shift to more sustainable and resilient urban agrifood systems. A new technical brief published by FAO - “Agrifood Systems Transformation in Mediterranean Cities – Opportunities for Collaborative Action and Shared Learning” - aims to provide an overview of urban agrifood systems in the Mediterranean region and proposes possible ways forward to collaboratively transform them.

The brief, developed in collaboration with the NGO Let’s Food, builds on the results of a study that analysed more than 300 urban food actions across 94 Mediterranean cities, each taking bold steps to transform their local agrifood systems. The study provides a comprehensive mapping, showcasing a diverse array of initiatives that reflect innovative and systemic approaches to overcoming agrifood challenges. From rooftop gardens in densely populated areas to comprehensive food waste reduction programs, these initiatives represent a new wave of redefining of our agrifood systems.

As identified in the study, Mediterranean cities face a suite of common challenges: climate change impacts, urbanization pressures, water scarcity, conflicts, migration, and food insecurity. The brief underscores how interconnected these issues are and stresses the importance of coordinated efforts to address them. By recognizing the shared nature of these challenges, cities can better collaborate and innovate towards sustainable, healthy, and equitable agrifood systems.

Five key areas of transformative action

To spearhead this transformation, the brief proposes five concrete areas of action:

1. Integrated Local Agrifood Policies and Governance
   Encouraging cities to develop multisectoral policies, supported by robust multistakeholder governance mechanisms, to tackle crosscutting issues and ensure sustainability.
2. Food Waste and Circular (Bio)economy
   Highlighting cutting-edge initiatives that repurpose food waste and create sustainable cycles, promoting a shift towards a circular economy.
3. Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture:
   Promoting local food production not only enhances food security but also strengthens urban resilience. From community gardens to vertical farms, these initiatives are redefining urban landscapes.
4. Food and Territorial Markets:
   Strengthening local markets is key to improving access to nutritious, sustainable, and locally sourced foods, creating a robust local food economy.
5. Public Food Procurement Programmes:
   Utilizing school feeding and other public programmes to support local agriculture and promote healthy diets, fostering a culture of sustainability from a young age.

Central to the brief is the emphasis on collaboration and shared learning. By designing a mechanism for Mediterranean cities to exchange knowledge, experiences, and innovations, FAO proposes a collaborative approach to foster best practices and scalable solutions, enabling cities to learn from each other's successes and challenges.

The technical brief is a call to action for Mediterranean cities to unite in transforming their agrifood systems. By embracing these insights and recommendations, cities can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future, ensuring healthy, equitable outcomes for all their inhabitants.

Read the full publication here: Agrifood systems transformation in Mediterranean cities (fao.org)