The Project
An Integrated Approach to Promote Sustainable Food Systems through Cross-Cutting Behavioural Changes among All Stakeholders
GrowLIFE is a project coordinated by the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Lisbon, in partnership with FCiências.ID – the Association for Scientific Research and Development, and Turismo de Portugal. It is funded by the EU LIFE Programme for Environment and Climate Action.
The goal of GrowLIFE is to foster a more sustainable food system, addressing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions. According to the European Environment Agency, agriculture is the fifth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, GrowLIFE is aligned with the European Green Deal, the European Climate Pact, and the Farm to Fork Strategy. An integrated approach is essential to ensure a successful transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system, from production through to distribution and consumption. To make this happen, it is crucial to drive change among producers, policymakers, and consumers. GrowLIFE serves as a catalyst for this transformation, by engaging these groups in a range of targeted activities.
The project is being implemented across mainland Portugal, starting with four Host Municipalities – São Pedro do Sul, Mértola, Torres Vedras, and Vila Nova de Famalicão – as well as the 12 municipalities that host Portuguese Hospitality and Tourism Schools (escolas de Hotelaria e Turismo de Portugal): Viana do Castelo, Porto, Lamego, Coimbra, Óbidos, Portalegre, Cascais, Lisbon, Setúbal, Portimão, Faro, and Vila Real de Santo António, e Caldas da Rainha (Focal Municipalities).
Main Objectives
Educate Producers on sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and reducing pesticide use, and support them in applying these methods.
Collaborate with Municipalities to implement local policies that promote and sustain sustainable agri-food initiatives, especially those that encourage shorter supply chains.
Raise Consumer Awareness of the importance and benefits of sustainable consumption for health, the local economy, and the environment, in order to encourage behavioural change.
Methodology
Participatory Methods – Involving stakeholders from the outset of the project increases their commitment and ensures more effective implementation of activities.
Multistakeholder approach – The collaboration among all stakeholders involved in a given system promotes a comprehensive and, consequently, consistent change in behaviour.
Transferência de conhecimento entre pares – Esta metodologia é altamente eficaz porque é direcionada, logo mais clara e relevante para o público-alvo.
Key Activities
Participatory Visits to Sustainable Farms
Visits designed for producers interested in sustainable farming, to farms already using sustainable practices. The purpose of these visits is to equip producers with the skills to adopt sustainable practices.
Sustainability Routes
Routes connecting Focal and Reference Municipalities to encourage local policymakers to enhance the sustainability of food systems, with the involvement of local stakeholders.
Farmers’ Open Days
Exhibitions showcasing seasonal and sustainable products, including tastings and open discussions, aimed at raising consumer awareness about the value of local food systems and increasing access to seasonal and sustainable products. These events take place at the 12 Portuguese Hospitality and Tourism Schools.
Curricular Module and Executive Course for Catering Professionals
Training sessions to equip catering professionals with the knowledge needed to support the transition to sustainable food systems, focusing on selecting and preparing food and beverages from sustainable sources. These courses are held at the 12 Portuguese Hospitality and Tourism Schools.
Administrative Information
Reference: LIFE21-GIC-PT-GrowLIFE
Grant Agreement: 101074425
Duration: 5 anos – 1 de Junho de 2023 a 31 de Maio de 2028
Total Budget: 2,421,123€
LIFE Programme Funding: 1,452,674€
Beneficiaries:
Coordinator – Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa
Participant- FCiências.ID – Associação para a Investigação e Desenvolvimento de Ciências
Participant – Turismo de Portugal