Urban agriculture initiatives expand in Brazil and Portugal

Urban farming projects are fostering community engagement and food security in Brazil and Portugal through diverse cultivation methods.

In Campo Grande, Brazil, the Territórios Solidários project, led by Sesc MS, has established a community garden in the Comunidade Negra São João Batista. Approximately 20 families participate in the initiative, which focuses on food security and community autonomy. Residents cultivate lettuce, chicory, and various herbs, with plans to expand into vegetables like eggplant. The program aims to teach residents how to organize and maintain the garden independently to ensure long-term sustainability.

In Lisbon, Portugal, a vertical urban farm at the Campolide Campus has completed its first harvest, yielding approximately 80 kilograms of fresh produce. Part of the NOVA Bela Flor project, the initiative utilizes aeroponics—a soil-less method where roots receive water and nutrients directly—to maximize efficiency in dense urban areas. The harvest, which includes lettuce, spinach, arugula, and herbs, is distributed to the academic community and the Santo António de Campolide Social and Parish Center.