Feasibility study of a water efficient urban agriculture system for sustainable & attractive city in Sweden and China

Purpose and goal

A multi-discipline consortium has been established across Sweden and China. Currently we have 5 companies, 2 universities, 2 local governments (Lanzhou & Tianjin) and 1 institute in the consortium. Both business model and social welfare model for urban agriculture system has been designed to contribute to sustainable & attractive cities in cooperating cities in China. We have identified 3 test fields with a total area around 100 Ha for testing & exhibition of urban agriculture systems with great concern of water efficiency. Knowledge has been disseminated throughout the project.

Results and expected effects

We have examined the feasibility to establish urban agriculture which not only consume 1/100 of conventional counterpart, but also use the marginal water eg. rainwater & grey water. The key is to introduce and scale up urban agriculture system in water critical areas, which in turn will improve a variety of socio-economic factors such as improved air quality, nature access, fresh & safe food. In addition, urban agriculture system can function as a meeting & exchange point to enhance social inclusion of urbanized citizens with different ethnic & educational background.

Approach and implementation

Two study tours were arranged; one to Lanzhou & Tianjin in China and a visit to Aquaponics pilot system in Haninge. For the study tour in China, four major workshops including dissemination of results were held with the county council of Lanzhou New Area, property development companies in Lanzhou and government of Ji county as well as Nankai University in Tianjin. Four project meetings with all project members plus two extra meetings with potential companies (ex. Plantagon, Greenworks, Nypro & CSIC) that showed interests to participate in the application for step-2 cooperation project.