Agriculture · Economy & Business · Environment & Transitions · Unusual

A farm in the city

2 January 2023Photos and text: Béatrice Prève20 images

01 / 20 · 2 January 2023Béatrice Prève / Collectif DR

Philippe Zerr, 37, now farms the 600 m² devoted to a micro-farm in a working-class neighborhood of the Lyon metropolitan area. Initially the urban market gardener of the vegetable garden on the roof of the Groupama building in Lyon, in early 2020 he began a vegetable-growing project in the so-called “États-Unis” district.

In Lyon’s 8th arrondissement, the major social housing landlord “Grand Lyon Habitat”, in collaboration with the engineering company “place au terreau” and the city of Lyon, is developing a community space dedicated to urban agriculture.

In total, 1600 m² divided into three experimental zones interact for biodiversity, including one zone dedicated to an urban farm. From spring to late fall, Philippe sells fresh vegetables through a short supply chain, directly from producer to consumer.

This former environmental activist hopes to demonstrate, through the viability of his business, that the project can be replicated in our cities. This micro-farm is now a “pilot” project in Lyon.

Many landlords and developers are following this initiative very closely and are considering including a vegetable-growing area in their spaces. According to data from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), urban and peri-urban agriculture already feeds more than 800 million city dwellers worldwide. It is one of the solutions recommended for ensuring food security in ever-expanding metropolises, but also for improving urban space, protecting the environment, creating social ties, promoting education for better eating and preserving health, all within an ultra-short distribution system.

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