Proeftuin Amsterdam/Food systems planning in Amsterdam-The Netherlands - 中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

Proeftuin Amsterdam/Food systems planning in Amsterdam-The Netherlands

urban agriculture experience

Authors: Pim Vermeulen

Proeftuin Amsterdam/Food systems planning in Amsterdam-The Netherlands

Until recently, linkages between the city of Amsterdam and the surrounding area have been few with respect to the consumption of regional food. But with almost 40% of Amsterdam’s ecological footprint stemming from the provision of food (transport excluded), and with unhealthy eating habits and lifestyles causing considerable negative impacts on citizens’ physical well-being (such as obesity), there was plenty of reason for the city of Amsterdam to develop a strategy on healthy, sustainable, regional food chains, with special emphasis on urban-rural relationships (Northumbria University, 2008). This strategy called “Proeftuin Amsterdam” (a play on words: test garden, taste garden, or field of experiment) was initiated in 2007. The approach derives from the concept of a “Sustainable Food Chain”, covering all steps from production, processing, and distribution of food to selling, preparing, consumption and waste disposal – placing the urban consumer in a central position (Northumbria University, 2008).

The main goals of “Proeftuin Amsterdam“ are:

to create food awareness;

to change towards better food (i.e. healthier and more sustainable);

to find a new role for farmers in the peri-urban region.

Practice

Type of Urban Agriculture practiced:

Healthy Food

Sustainable Regional Food Chain

Urban-rural relations

Knowledge, jobs, education

 

Summary of your experience;

UA and the urban food crisis

Full name, function, address and contact details

(www.dro.amsterdam.nl)

References:

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