S09 - Session P4 - Urban Agriculture Demonstrator - Chambre Régionale d'Agriculture Pays de la Loire

Authors: Laura Perez *

Context Urban agriculture is multiple and diverse, both in terms of production processes, marketing channels and economic models. The Chamber of Agriculture of Pays de la Loire aims to support this type of agriculture to achieve its professionalization and to create a strong network within the region. The Chamber of Agriculture has started therefore to build a roadmap based on the knowledge of stakeholders, but also trainings, experimentations and support for project leaders. In 2021, we decided to capitalize references through the creation of an urban agriculture demonstrator. Objectives The main goals of this project are : 1. To explore more on methods and knowledge in urban agriculture field 2. To experiment different agricultural production systems 3. To produce references at the regional level 4. To create specific trainings for professionals of urban agriculture Materials and methods - 86 soilless culture containers - 1 aquaponic pool - more than 40 cultivated plant species (strawberries, salads, butternut, raspberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, kiwis, beans, herbs, etc.) Parameters monitored: - Environmental and agronomical aspects: substrate quality, irrigation, biodiversity, plant health - Economical aspects: productivity - Social aspects : working time Main results Monitoring indicators: yields, water consumption, auxiliaries, substrate, etc. Data being processed Perspectives - To strengthen the project implemented in 2021 - To consolidate the acquired data - To test new production systems like hydroponic columns