GrowLIFE

An Integrated Approach to Promote Sustainable Food Systems through Cross-Cutting Behavioural Changes among All Stakeholders

According to the European Environment Agency, agriculture is the fifth largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In response, GrowLIFE aims to foster a more sustainable food system, addressing its social, economic, and environmental dimensions. To ensure a successful transition to a sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural system, an integrated approach is essential, covering all stages from production to distribution and consumption. This approach aligns with key European initiatives, such as the European Green Deal, the European Climate Pact, and the Farm to Fork Strategy. GrowLIFE engages all stakeholders—producers, policymakers, consumers, and culinary professionals—to drive the necessary change. Through targeted activities, it empowers these groups to take action and accelerate the shift towards a more sustainable food system.

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 – and extending to 13 additional municipalities: Cascais, Caldas da Rainha, Coimbra, Faro, Lamego, Lisbon, Mértola, Óbidos, Porto, Portalegre, Portimão, Setúbal, Torres Vedras, Viana do Castelo and Vila Real de Santo António (Focal Municipalities).

GrowLIFE is coordinated by the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, in partnership with FCiências.ID and the Schools of Hospitality and Tourism of Turismo de Portugal. It is funded by the EU LIFE Programme for Environment and Climate Action.