Food Forward: Green Bites for a Sustainable Urban Future

About

A blended intensive program titled "Food Forward: Green Bites for Sustainable Urban Future" will focus on the intersection of food systems, sustainability, and urban development.
During the online and on-site activities students and lecturers will explore topics such as sustainable agriculture, urban gardening, food waste reduction, resource efficiency, local sourcing, biodiversity, community engagement, policy support and local food initiatives. The Summer School topic will emphasise innovative practices and policies that promote environmentally friendly food production and consumption within urban environments. Additionally, participants will engage in discussions on community engagement, social equity in food access, and the role of technology in creating resilient food systems. Overall, participants will gain insights into how to foster a more sustainable and equitable food future in cities.
The aim of this Summer School is to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable food systems, urban agriculture, and environmentally-friendly practices, while inspiring them to take action towards creating resilient, sustainable urban food systems that contribute positively to their local community progress and to preservation of environment

Course leader

Prof. Dr. Andrijana Rebekić, full professor, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek

Target group

Undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students (all ISCED subject areas)
Academic and non-academic staff
Business sector, SMEs, industry
NGOs, civil society

Course aim

1. Discuss about innovative agricultural practices, such as vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, permaculture and their potential to enhance food production in urban environments.
2. Give examples of smart farming technologies, including precision agriculture and IoT applications, to optimize resource use and increase the sustainability of urban food systems.
3. Analyze the sustainability and environmental impact of various agricultural innovations, identifying benefits and trade-offs related to biodiversity, resource conservation, and urban ecosystems.
4. Illustrate the importance of community engagement initiatives that promote participation in sustainable food practices, focusing on social equity and access to healthy food.
5. Evaluate the impact of local food policies and innovative technologies on urban food systems, identifying opportunities for advocacy and improvement.
6. Develop strategies for fostering collaboration among stakeholders (farmers, policymakers, community organizations) to share knowledge and promote the adoption of innovative agricultural approaches in urban settings