Background

Regional agriculture and food supply have traditionally been an integral part of the functional relationship between cities and rural areas. However, due to the globalisation of agricultural systems, nowadays cities are hardly fed from the surrounding countryside. Reconnecting urban and rural areas can contribute to regional transformation towards sustainability and create more environmentally friendly, resilient supply structures.
 

Objectives and approach

To support the re-regionalization of agricultural and food systems, KOPOS investigates the potential of cooperation and pooling models. These can facilitate the joint use of resources such as production facilities, services, land, capital and network structures. The project region Berlin-Brandenburg deals with the access to land and its maintenance for a sustainable agricultural use. Freiburg i.Br. and its surrounding region are working on the advancement of short value chains.
 

Expected results

KOPOS pilot projects, networks and scientific findings will help regional actors in establishing and expanding regional value chains and sustainable land protection and help balancing interests between urban and rural stakeholders.

In addition, recommendations for action for transfer to other regions are provided and indicators and strategies are developed to strengthen cooperation approaches for sustainable land use and regional food supply.

Existing initiatives and entrepreneurial activities are strengthened or newly initiated through concrete projects within KOPOS.