Food transition network
FoodLink, the network for food transition in the Lisbon metropolitan area, was officially presented on June 7, 2022, at the headquarters of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, at a ceremony attended by the Minister for Territorial Cohesion, Ana Abrunhosa.
With the creation of this network, food planning throughout the Lisbon metropolitan area will gain increased relevance in land use planning and development policies. The aim is to move towards a sustainable, resilient and economically dynamic food system, in line with the prominence that food systems have been gaining on the international political agenda in the current global context of economic, climate, pandemic and, more recently, geostrategic crisis.
FoodLink brings together a diverse set of territories, initiatives and actors in the Lisbon metropolitan area, whose aim is to plan and manage this food system.
The network, which currently has around 30 organizations, intends to expand its number of partners to include a wider range of players in the metropolitan food system.
FoodLink's vision for 2030 foresees that around 15% of the metropolitan area's food supply can be secured, based on sustainable production methods (organic production, integrated protection and agroecology), innovative solutions (water management for irrigation, reduction of phytopharmaceuticals and soil conservation and climate adaptation) and low-carbon distribution networks and proximity food circuits (which meet inclusion and food safety criteria).
The creation of innovative opportunities for recreation and gastronomic and cultural tourism throughout the territory, the socio-ecological and economic valorization of the region, and the strengthening of urban-rural synergies are also goals advocated by FoodLink.