This section of the Knowledge Hub features policy papers from third-party experts and institutions, all shared with full credit to their original authors and sources. These documents are intended to support policy innovation and practical decision-making in the field of urban agriculture.
A policy paper’s layout is:
- A concise, research-informed document designed to guide local, regional, or national policymakers.
- A summary of evidence-based findings from scientific studies, field practices, or institutional experience.
- Identified key governance challenges and opportunities in urban agriculture (e.g., zoning, land access, inclusion, sustainability).
- A presentation of actionable recommendations using indicators, case studies, and practical frameworks.
- A means to bridge the gap between research and policy, offering accessible insights to non-academic stakeholders.
- A path to support peer learning and knowledge transfer across urban, peri-urban, and rural contexts in Europe.
All policy papers remain the intellectual property of their respective authors. FOODCITYBOOST simply provides a platform for knowledge sharing and visibility, promoting uptake and impact across the wider urban agriculture community.
This section is updated in accordance with the availability of relative materials.
| Title / Link | Summary | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pact of Amsterdam | Introduces the EU Urban Agenda and sets out twelve priority themes for better urban policy integration, including climate adaptation, energy transition, and urban mobility. Emphasizes multi-level governance and improved funding, regulation, and knowledge-sharing | European Commission (Futurium) |
| Energy Efficiency and GHG Emissions Reduction in Agriculture (2025) | Provides an overview of current EU agricultural energy use and emissions, identifying best practices and policy levers to reduce the sector’s climate impact. Highlights EU legislative frameworks and technological innovations. | European Parliamentary Research Service |
| What Makes Urban Food Policy Happen? | Analyzes governance, financial, and institutional enablers that allow cities to develop effective urban food policies. Uses case studies to explore how political leadership, civil society, and interdepartmental collaboration drive success. | European Parliamentary Research Service |
| Urban agriculture policy frameworks in the EU | Evaluates existing EU policies affecting urban agriculture, identifying regulatory barriers and opportunities. Suggests strategic alignment between urban farming, food security, and climate resilience goals. | European Parliamentary Research Service |
| Carbon Farming Practice Full Report | Advocates for carbon farming as a critical tool for ecological transition in food systems. Offers a framework for integrating regenerative practices with equitable policy reform and farmer-centered incentives. | International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems |
| The Role of Cities in the Transformation of Food Systems: Lessons from Milan Pact Cities | Draws on the experience of Milan Pact cities to illustrate how municipal action shapes sustainable food systems. Recommends governance models, participatory tools, and institutional innovation to scale transformation. | Milan Urban Food Policy Pact |
| Policies to Promote Low-Carbon Urban Agriculture | Explores policy mechanisms and design features that foster climate-friendly urban farming. Focuses on zoning, energy inputs, and socio-economic co-benefits of low-emission food production in cities. | University of Michigan School for Environment & Sustainability |
| Enhancing International Cooperation through Urban Agriculture | Investigates the potential of urban agriculture to contribute to food system transformation and urban resilience. Identifies policy gaps and recommends cross-sectoral collaboration for mainstreaming urban agriculture | Wageningen University & Research |
| Enhancing International Cooperation and Development through Urban Agriculture | Highlights how urban agriculture facilitates international development goals through food security, empowerment, and sustainability. Stresses cooperation among municipalities, NGOs, and global networks | RUAF CIC |
| Urban Agenda Position Paper | Outlines strategic recommendations for strengthening urban resilience, particularly through integrated governance and funding tools. Emphasizes inclusive urban policy frameworks and alignment with European Green Deal goals. | Urban Agenda |
| Urban agriculture: State of play | Highlights urban agriculture's increasing importance in the EU for producing, processing, and distributing food within cities, recognizing its social, environmental, and economic benefits while advocating for better policy integration and funding support. | European Parliamentary Research Service |