Urban agriculture in Europe: Patterns, challenges and policies

Hĺbková analýza 18-12-2017

It is estimated that by 2050, 67 % of the world's population will live in urban areas. Increasing concerns over food security coupled with concerns over climate change have helped to promote interest in urban agriculture and the role it can play in respect of food security. The present paper aims to provide an overview of urban agriculture by examining it as it relates to issues of food security, the economy, social dimensions and the environment. Using short case studies and drawing on research from both Europe and the USA, the paper further explores the potential impact that urban agriculture can have and sets out its policy context. Looking to the future, one of the many challenges facing urban agriculture will be how it will achieve the necessary integration across all relevant EU policy areas.