Proposed visits

Three tours will be offered during URBAGr'inn Days

 

1- Presentation of the "Building resilient territories: the Liège model" tour

During this tour, we'll show you how Liège's ecosystem of short-circuit production, processing and distribution has gradually developed over the last ten years, under the impetus of the CATL (Ceinture Alimentaire-Terre Liégeoise).

Two visits are proposed : "Coins de Terre à Bressoux" and "Logistics hub"

Introduction

The impetus for a food-resilient territory is emerging from the Ceinture Aliment-Terre Liégeoise (CATL), which came into being in 2013. The main aim of the CATL is to contribute, in the Liège Métropole district, to the transformation of the food system in a sustainable perspective, by supporting the development of short supply chains. The idea is to strengthen and network the many new local and sustainable food initiatives, which represent a fundamental shift away from agro-industry and large-scale distribution. Since its creation, CATL has supported and initiated numerous initiatives in this direction

• Creation of Les compagnons de la terre - a producers' cooperative (2015)
• Support for the opening of the "les petits producteurs" store, which distributes the produce of the compagnons de la terre cooperative (2016)
• Launch of the Créafarm project (2018)
• Launch of the Collectif Développement Cantines Durables (2019)
• Since 2021: development of a Food Policy Council (Conseil de Politique Alimentaire - CPA), which today has 180 members
• Development of a Hub Circuit court (2022)
• And then, by 2025, inauguration of a Légumerie

The Ceinture Aliment-Terre Liégeoise (CATL) works closely with a number of local players to promote food relocation, sustainable agriculture and short circuits in Liège and the surrounding area:

1. "Coin de Terre de Bressoux" collective plot

Le Coin de Terre de Bressoux is one of CATL's emblematic projects. This large-scale collective vegetable garden comprises 290 arable plots and is an urban agricultural space that aims to foster citizens' food self-sufficiency, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen social ties. The project is directly in line with CATL's objectives, particularly in terms of relocating food production and raising citizens' awareness of sustainable agricultural practices. It is also a meeting place for local players wishing to participate in local agriculture.

2. Logistics Hub

The Logistics Hub is another important project supported by CATL. It plays a key role in the development of short circuits and local food distribution. This hub centralizes and facilitates the logistics of local produce distribution, ensuring that food produced by the region's farms and kitchen gardens can be efficiently transported to consumers, be they markets, retail outlets or delivery services. The Logistics Hub optimizes the distribution chain for local produce, making short circuits more accessible and efficient.

3. Cré@farm

The CREaFARM call for projects aims to encourage the development of urban agriculture projects in Liège, by making municipal land available. Initiated by the Department of Economic and Territorial Development of the City of Liège, in partnership with the Ceinture Aliment Terre Liégeoise, it aims to promote access to land and stimulate self-creation of jobs, to meet growing consumer demand for quality local produce and to encourage short distribution channels with a view to strengthening the local food economy.

4. CPA (Food Policy Council)

Local Food Policy Councils (CPAs) are collaborative governance structures that bring together stakeholders from the same territory to support a dynamic transition towards a sustainable food system.

The Liège CPA is a democratic governance body dedicated to the actors⸱rices of the food system, on the scale of the 24 communes of the Administrative Arrondissement of Liège Métropole. Its objectives are to

• Intensify and make more inclusive the dynamic of transition towards a resilient and sustainable food system on the territory of Liège Métropole.
• Facilitate exchanges and coordination between actors⸱rices of sustainable food in a context of proliferation and emergence of numerous initiatives.

All these projects are interconnected and supported by the Ceinture Aliment-Terre Liégeoise, which acts as a catalyst for food transition in the region. They aim to strengthen food autonomy, promote sustainable agricultural practices and facilitate access to local, quality food for all. Together, they are helping to create an integrated ecosystem where local food production, distribution and consumption are closely linked and supported by citizen and community initiatives.

 

 

2- Presentation of visits of governance models that are driving the evolution of urban agriculture

Explore innovative urban farming projects that are transforming the way we think about food production in the city. These initiatives showcase new models of collaboration, sustainability, and local engagement, offering valuable insights into the future of urban agriculture. Join us to see how these projects are reshaping professional spaces and driving positive changes in urban environments.

1. The Maison Administrative Provinciale (MAP)– New model of collaboration

This is a prime example of sustainability and innovation in the public sector. By incorporating urban agriculture into its daily operations, the MAP in Namur has created a garden that provides its employees with a unique experience of growing local and sustainable food right in the heart of the city. This project not only supplies fresh produce for the institution’s kitchen but also promotes employee well-being by offering a space for relaxation and community around gardening.

Join us to explore this innovative project and discover how urban spaces can be transformed into sources of local food production. The MAP serves as an inspiring model for how public institutions can contribute to more sustainable food systems while engaging citizens. This visit will offer valuable insights into the synergies between urban planning, agriculture, and workplace well-being.

2. Pousses Poussent & Cré@farm - Shaping Sustainable Urban Farming

Pousses Poussent is an exciting urban farming project located in the heart of Liège’s Sainte-Walburge district. Set on a 1.7-hectare plot provided by the Cré@farm program, two young farmers, Félicie and David, have launched their farming initiative, Les Pousses Poussent. This project not only promotes sustainable, local food production but also offers a unique opportunity to support new farmers in the city.

In collaboration with Ceinture Aliment-Terre Liégeoise and Les Petits Producteurs, the project creates a hybrid model, combining farming with part-time work at a nearby store, ensuring income stability. The excess produce is sold locally, helping build a stronger, more sustainable food system. Pousses Poussent serves as a model for expanding urban farming initiatives and can be replicated in other neighborhoods and sectors.

This visit will also be an opportunity to explore the broader Cré@Farm initiative, which supports aspiring farmers through access to land, training, and financial mechanisms designed to facilitate entry into sustainable agriculture. David Arcadipane, a key figure in Cré@Farm, will share insights into how this program helps new farmers overcome challenges and develop viable, long-term agricultural projects.

Come visit the site and see firsthand how these innovative initiatives are transforming the future of urban food production.

 

3- Presentation of the "Reinventing professional spaces with urban agriculture" tour

The aim of these two visits is to explore how urban agriculture is transforming professional environments. And to discover innovative approaches that transform workspaces into productive and sustainable hubs for food production. This experience will highlight how integrating agriculture into urban spaces can foster well-being, sustainability and a deeper connection with local food systems.

First visit: "Sur le Champ

Located in the peri-urban area of Walloon Brabant, "Sur le Champ" is an innovative ecosystem dedicated to local food production and job creation. This pioneering project in Wallonia combines sustainability, local economy and healthy food, and includes three dynamic poles:

1. The Incubator - an experimental laboratory for future farmers and food processors;
2. La Pépinière - a springboard offering support and production resources;
3. The Eco-Pole - a space for production, logistics and direct sales.

With 3,300 m² of buildings and 21 hectares of land, "Sur le Champ" is a true gas pedal of the transition to local, sustainable food.

Second visit: the "Maison administrative provinciale" (MAP), which aims to green public spaces.

This visit also relates to the theme of "Governance driving urban farming evolution"

MAP is an example of sustainability and innovation in the public sector. By integrating urban farming into its day-to-day operations, Namur's MAP has created a garden that offers its employees a unique experience of growing local, sustainable food right in the heart of the city. This project not only supplies the institution's kitchen with fresh produce, but also promotes employee well-being by offering a space for relaxation and conviviality around gardening.

MAP is therefore an inspiring model for public institutions that can contribute to more sustainable food systems while involving citizens.

This visit will provide valuable insight into the synergies between urban planning, agriculture and well-being at work.