Urban Agriculture in Oosterwold: Policy Options for Local Food Production

Oosterwold in Almere explores urban agriculture through two scenarios: open landscape with self-organisation and digital short supply chains, or closed landscape with high-rise buildings and strict regulation. The policy brief examines digital technology’s role in knowledge sharing and community-building, highlighting challenges in food production without farming expertise. It proposes policy options including digital hubs, food community buildings, and intermediary actors like green community intermediaries. The research, part of the DESIRA project, is informed by two workshops using future scenario and back-casting methods. Oosterwold aims to produce 10% of Almere’s food basket, supported by high-speed internet and social media. The brief, authored by Jan Eelco Jansma of Wageningen University & Research, outlines actionable steps for municipal support and sustainable urban food systems.