The role of diversified small-scale horticulture in a transition towards more sustainable food systems and healthier diets

The main topic for this project is diversified small-scale horticulture in rural and urban areas. The projects is interdisciplinary  involving both social and natural sciences across the collaborative partners with the exploration of how food systems based on small-scale horticulture can both expand and become more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable and thus generate benefits to planetary and public health. The four WPs in the project are centred around: Sustainability in cultivation and distribution (WP1), increased consumption of horticultural products (WP2), social networks (WP3), and safe composting practices for organic waste (WP4). Telemark Research Institute (TRI) will lead the participatory action research in collaboration with other partners and specific case-regions, aiming for the development of sustainable, healthy, local food systems. Furthermore, TRI will be involved in the research regarding consumption of horticultural products. The project aims to provide results in the form of recommendations and advice on cultivation practices and organisational models with environmental, social, economic and health benefits.