Amsterdam as an edible city

What would happen if we no longer viewed food production as something outside the city, but as an integral part of how we design Amsterdam? What if Amsterdam could feed itself? A city where food does not have to come from the other side of the world, but is produced in and around the city. Where empty rooftops, industrial estates and the city’s outskirts make way for food production, residents organise food collectively, and short supply chains ensure fresher food, less transport and greater control over what ends up on our plates. But how realistic is a more food-autonomous city, really? How much space does food require in a city where every square metre is under pressure? And does more local food production actually make us less dependent and more resilient? At the same time, there is a growing realisation that food cannot be taken for granted. Climate change, geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international supply chains highlight just how dependent cities are on a global food system. What does this mean for Amsterdam, and what role can local and regional food networks play in this? On Thursday 2 July at 8.00 pm, researchers and local food initiatives will come together at Pakhuis de Zwijger to discuss the future of food in the city. They’ll be discussing land, distribution, technology, community and the political choices needed to give food a more prominent place in Amsterdam. You can register for free here: https://dezwijger.nl/programma/amsterdam-als-eetbare-stad