Division of Food Production and Society
The role of diversified small-scale horticulture in a transition towards more sustainable food systems with healthier diets (SmallHort)
End: feb 2029
Start: feb 2025
The aim of the project is to explore how food systems based on diversified small-scale horticulture can be developed to become more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable while also increasing in scale. This will provide benefits to nature, environment and public health.
Project participants
Frøydis Gillund Bjørn Egil Flø Maiken Skjørestad Granberg Bjørn Arild Hatteland Jørund Johansen Hilde Halland Gro Johannesen Anne-Kristin Løes Viktorija Viciunaite Christine Marie Hvitsand Kevin Morel Antonín Pepin Anne Strøm Prestvik Lystgården Økologisk Norge| Status | Active |
| Start - end date | 03.02.2025 - 04.02.2029 |
| Project manager | Anna Birgitte Milford |
| Division | Division of Food Production and Society |
| Department | Economics and Society |
| Total budget | 120000000 |
The project involves diversified small-scale horticulture either run by farmers (e.g. market gardens) or as an organized collaboration between consumers (e.g. allotment gardens). The project focuses on both rural and urban areas and has an interdisciplinary approach that involves both social and natural sciences.
The four work packages in the project are all centred around small-scale horticulture and focus on the following themes: sustainability in cultivation and distribution (WP1), increased consumption of vegetables and fruit (WP2), social networks (WP3) and safe composting methods for organic waste (WP4). Data in the form of in-depth interviews and observations will be collected in five different regions in Norway. Surveys will be conducted with farmers and consumers of small-scale horticultural products. Other methods used are participatory action research, qualitative sustainability assessment, insect sampling using traps, intervention study with consumers, participant observation, composting trials with sub/optimal conditions, and chemical plus microbiological analysis. The project will benefit from collaboration and knowledge exchange with researchers from INRAE, France, who have experience in market gardening research.
Actors from public authorities and voluntary organizations working with small-scale horticulture will contribute as discussion partners, co-organisers, in data collection, and with dissemination of research results.
The project aims to provide results in the form of recommendations and advice on cultivation practices and organizational models with environmental, social, economic and health benefits.