In an increasingly urbanised world, our cities are bustling hubs of innovation and culture. Yet, many urban areas face pressing challenges: rising food insecurity, environmental degradation, and a growing disconnect between people and their food sources. 

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) presents three urban agriculture initiatives from Portugal, Germany, and Brazil that are addressing these challenges to cultivate vibrant, green futures. These initiatives were Finalists for the ‘Living Green for Urban Agriculture & Food Systems’ category of the AIPH World Green City Awards 2024.

Cascais’ Harvest Haven

Cascais, Portugal, retains a strong connection to its agricultural roots. Responding to a diminishing size and number of backyard vegetable gardens, the municipality launched “Terras de Cascais” – a pioneering urban agriculture strategy – to provide and support community food gardens.

Launched in 2018, Terras de Cascais encourages local organic food production, promotes sustainable consumption, provides education, and fosters entrepreneurship. Currently, the programme supports 34 vegetable gardens, five orchards, and four vineyards. The Terras de Cascais team provides regular workshops on organic farming, having educated approximately 5,000 people to date.

In addition to providing low-cost food alternatives, the gardens have reduced isolation and bolstered social cohesion. Of the gardeners, 30% participate for the therapeutic benefits that gardening offers while 36% take part as a way to connect with the community. 

Munich’s Garden Plots for All

Balancing the need for urban growth and preservation of green spaces, the city of Munich in Germany has championed the “Krautgärten” initiative. This programme offers residents an opportunity to cultivate their own produce using agricultural land on a seasonal basis.

Residents are able to rent plots of land at low cost from May to mid-November, providing an affordable and accessible avenue for urban gardening. This direct engagement with food production boosts participants’ food supply resilience and educates them about plant cultivation and environmental stewardship. 

The Krautgärten serve vital functions beyond providing fresh food. They strategically safeguard agricultural land, strengthening Munich’s green belt. Adhering to organic principles promotes healthy soil, enhances local biodiversity, and reduces reliance on synthetic pesticides and herbicides. 

Curitiba’s Urban Agriculture

Faced with the challenges of rapid urbanisation and compromised food security, the city of Curitiba in Brazil has spearheaded a groundbreaking Urban Agriculture Programme.

Urban Vegetable Gardens transform underutilised public and private spaces into vibrant communal growing areas. These gardens both regenerate urban land and also foster social cohesion and improve residents’ quality of life. The City Hall supports these endeavours by providing essential resources, such as technical guidance and seedlings. Currently, 150 such spaces are thriving across the city.

Curitiba has also established the ‘Urban Farm’ to serve as a crucial educational hub for sustainable urban agricultural practices. The farm offers free guided tours, courses, and workshops on food safety, urban sustainability, and gastronomy. 

On 23^rd October 2025, Curitiba’s Urban Agriculture Programme will be featured in an AIPH Green City Briefing – a free one hour webinar focussing on the benefits and practicalities of urban greening. Find out more.