MÉRTOLA FUTURE LAB

As a result of the alliance between different stakeholders, the Mértola future lab fosters innovative solutions for ecological and economically sustainable food production.  This is particularly important against the backdrop of desertification and water shortage. Within this case study, there are three main goals. They underline the connections between soil biodiversity and a plural perspective on knowledge:

  1. Decarbonisation of logistics in the fresh food supply. Vehicles with electric traction will distribute fresh food baskets from the Mértola Village Market for free.
  2. Valuation of the local-based food system. It emphasises an intergenerational approach which appreciates the long-standing experience of Mertola’s elderly women.
  3. Reinforcing the Mértola Food Network which was created during the Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, the project “Fresh Food on Wheels” stimulates the collection of coffee grounds to be reused for forest gardens.
  • Impact sector: Agriculture and food production/consumption
  • Country: Portugal
  • BIOTraCes research partner: CENTRO DE ESTUDOS SOCIAIS (CES)
  • Topic: CES supports the Mértola Future Lab, an initiative to boost local food production and consumption. It is aligned with strategies for the conservation of agrobiodiversity.

Mértola´s Bold Mission: Turning the Desert into Fertile Land