EFUA “NEXT” Conference

The “NEXT” conference is one of three key milestones within the EFUA portfolio (European Forum on Urban Agriculture); it will build upon the themes investigated during our highly successful FACTS Conference (from Rome last year), review recent EFUA research/policy outcomes and also determine the trajectory for future work in urban agriculture. The conference will focus upon 3 specific aspects during the 2 days of the public event, which are as follows:

• Presentation of findings from EFUA, including work on urban agricultural typologies and the diverse benefits that Urban Agriculture can provide.
• Examination of the practicalities and experiences of engaging communities, businesses and NGOs to collaboratively develop a European UA future that is inclusive, sustainable and innovative.
• Challenging municipalities to collectively consider how they can deliver positive outcomes for citizens and urban environments through UA strategies, policies and support measures. This also includes the ambition to create an EU network of cities which support and develop UA initiative.

In addition to the more formal presentations, workshops and discussions, they also intend to make the conference an enjoyable experience and one which offers the chance for ample informal networking with colleagues; old and new alike. With this in mind, our local partner, the ISSK (the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences), has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop an innovative and inspiring programme; incorporating farm visits, local cultural experiences and, of course, the finest Bulgarian cuisine on offer (featuring locally farmed produce, sourced from short supply chains).

The event is hosted by the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology at the Bulgarian Academy as part of the EFUA project, funded by the EC's Horizon 2020 programme in which Interuniversity Department of Regional and Urban Studies and Planning - DIST of the Politecnico is a partner.

The conference is open to the public on 20 and 21 April.