The diversity of farmers' practices and relations facing urban demands: a case study in Montpellier (France)

Session 2.4 - System drivers IInternational audienceIn France, the cities of the Mediterranean coastline are rapidly developing, sprawling on agricultural and natural lands. Paradoxically, new agricultural forms are emerging in peri-urban areas as well as the city demands for "greener" spaces providing food products and urban services. In this context, are these agricultural forms related to the city a marginal phenomena, or are they significant of an agri-food transition in progress? In-depth interviews in peri-urban farms allowed us to identify eight figures of peri-urban farmers, and analysed the relationships between each other, with urban dwellers and with public actors. Finally, we pointed out a gap between local tracks for innovations and arrangements, and the production of a territorial policy to support the ecological and food transition