Catalogue on innovative governance practices and recommendations

This catalogue, created as part of the FOODCITYBOOST project, aims to provide a comprehensive guide for integrating urban agriculture (UA) into city and spatial planning, focusing on effective practices for governance and policy. It evaluates activities or practices for UA governance and policy work based on two main criteria: policy integration and multi-stakeholder approaches, as these address the systemic coordination and inclusive decision-making essential for sustainable, equitable, and resilient outcomes.

Supporting UA helps communities and local governments boost local food production, reduce reliance on external supply chains, and ensure fresh, healthy food is accessible, especially in foodinsecure areas. It also promotes environmental sustainability by improving biodiversity, reducing urban heat islands, and enhancing air quality. Additionally, urban agriculture fosters social cohesion and economic development by creating community spaces, generating jobs, and offering educational opportunities, contributing to a more resilient and engaged population.

Designed to support policy officials, decision-makers, and advocacy groups, this catalogue presents examples of effective UA policy and governance, avoiding the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all solutions. Yet, the diversity of UA policies, instruments, and interventions makes it challenging to identify common models or types, as these vary widely across different locations. Policy goals, planning frameworks, governance structures, and the people involved are also very context specific, and play important roles in how policy and governance take shape. Nevertheless, the catalogue highlights a range of "good practices" that offer valuable options for UA planning and support. These practices have been selected because they meet several key criteria: they are informed by research, data, and empirical evidence, drawing on lessons learned from past experiences and expert insights. Additionally, they address specific challenges or needs identified by the FOODCITYBOOT living labs. While context is crucial, these practices are adaptable to different environments, with core elements that remain relevant and effective in new settings. Moreover, they are flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances or new evidence.

The catalogue begins by exploring UA Policy and Governance, using examples from the FOODCITYBOOST Living Labs to highlight the context, challenges, and needs for UA in different settings. The Policy Principles and Process section outlines key principles for effective policy integration and multi-stakeholder arrangements, which are essential for creating sustainable and inclusive UA systems. It also covers the phases of the policy process, emphasising the importance of collaboration and teamwork at each stage. The How to Use the Guide section provides a clear template for navigating the catalogue, helping users understand how to apply the insights to their own contexts. This is followed by the Good Governance and Policy Practices section, which outlines critical steps such as engaging the motivated stakeholders, diagnosing challenges, committing to action, and developing strategic plans. It also offers guidance on implementation and operationalization, ensuring that policies are put into practice effectively, and stresses the importance of monitoring and evaluation to track progress and adjust as needed. Finally, the recommendations section summarises key takeaways and offers suggestions for policymakers and practitioners, helping informed decisionmaking to avoid common pitfalls in implementing urban agriculture policies.