Urban agriculture: the example of Guimarães
Guimarães, a historic city in northern Portugal and Energy Cities’ member, is characterised by a mosaic of urban, peri-urban, and rural landscapes. In recent years, the municipality has faced significant challenges due to the abandonment of agricultural lands, particularly in its peri-urban and rural zones.
This is not a local phenomenon alone—according to EU-wide research, 13 out of 27 member states, or nearly half of all EU countries, have around 50% of their agricultural areas designated as being at moderate to high risk of abandonment. Portugal is among the countries most affected, alongside Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and Slovenia.
In Guimarães, this trend is exacerbated by younger generations moving away from farming, both physically and culturally, leading to a decline in local food production and a growing disconnect between citizens and the land. The municipality now faces the urgent task of revitalising these landscapes to ensure long-term food security, biodiversity, and socio-economic resilience.
New urban agriculture models
One of the city’s strategic responses has been to explore new spaces and models for urban agricultural production. This ambition is twofold.
On the one hand, community gardens provide much more than food—they offer vital public space that strengthens social cohesion, improves mental health, and encourages intergenerational interaction. In a time of increasing urban isolation, these green pockets become sanctuaries of connection and purpose.
On the other hand, urban agriculture is also a practical response to food insecurity. By enabling families—especially those from economically vulnerable backgrounds—to grow a portion of their food, Guimarães aims to help reduce household food expenses while simultaneously ensuring access to fresh, seasonal, and locally grown produce. This not only empowers residents but also reinforces food sovereignty and resilience at the local level.
Bridging the gap between people and land
The municipality has already taken tangible steps in this direction, such as the creation of the Horta Pedagógica de Guimarães (Pedagogical Garden), which serves as a model for how food, education, and sustainability can intersect. Located in a publicly accessible area, this garden is used for workshops and school visits.
However, the demand for such spaces continues to grow, and the city is actively looking for ways to expand similar initiatives across neighbourhoods. The long-term vision is clear: to cultivate a more connected, resilient, and sustainable food system that bridges the gap between people and land—urban and rural, young and old.
Curious to learn more about how Guimarães is striving to become a green role model? Then stay tuned for updates on the Energy Cities 2026 Forum, hosted in the Portuguese town!
Discover more about our last food system journey here!
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Fuente: ENERGY CITIES
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