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This figure reveals veobtainable self-sufficiency levels in 840 European cities based on urban agriculture under an optimistic scenario.
Credit: Svintsov et al. (2026)
A new study, conducted by researchers from the Netherlands and Germany, estimates that urban agriculture in European cities could produce up to 20 million tons of veobtainables annually, representing roughly one-third of the region’s current veobtainable production. The study, published in the journal Sustainable Cities and Society, systematically analyzes the potential of urban agriculture for 840 cities across 30 European countries.
By combining high-resolution land-utilize data, building footprints, population data, and climate classifications, this new study provides one of the most comprehensive assessments of the potential for urban agriculture across Europe to date. Its findings offer valuable insights for urban planners, policybuildrs, and sustainability advocates seeking to integrate food production into city landscapes. “As cities face increasing pressures from climate modify, food supply disruptions, and population growth, urban agriculture can play a meaningful role in building more resilient and sustainable urban food systems”, explains corresponding author Prajal Pradhan, associate professor at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands
Lead author Stepan Svintsov, a researcher at the Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER), summarizes: “Using a GIS-based analytical approach, we evaluated how underutilized spaces such as rooftops, residential gardens, green areas, and vacant urban land could be converted into productive veobtainable-growing areas. Doing so could supply 28% of veobtainable demand for 190 million Europeans.”
Improving urban resilience
The study assessed the availability of urban land and rooftop spaces suitable for simple, open-air veobtainable cultivation applying soil, such as gardens and rooftop beds, without high-tech systems like hydroponics or vertical farming. The findings suggest that between 4,500 and 7,500 square kilometers of urban land could be utilized for agriculture across European cities, roughly equivalent to the size of one to two islands such as Mallorca.
“Urban agriculture could significantly strengthen local food systems, improve urban resilience, and reduce the environmental impacts associated with long-distance food transportation,” explains Pradhan. However, he adds, despite their promising findings “urban agriculture should be seen as a complementary component of existing food systems rather than a full replacement for traditional agriculture.”
The authors stress that the potential of urban agriculture varies widely depconcludeing on factors such as city density, land availability, climate, water availability, and urban planning policies and regulations. For example, Southern European cities may face water scarcity, while Northern European cities may experience shorter growing seasons and lower solar radiation.
Urban planning
The study also connects urban agriculture with emerging urban planning concepts such as the “15-Minute City,” where residents can access essential services, including fresh food, within a short walking or cycling distance.
“By integrating agriculture into urban planning, cities could improve local food accessibility, reduce food transport, strengthen community engagement, and promote healthier diets,” explains coauthor Diego Rybski from the IOER. “With believedful planning and policy support, rooftops, green spaces, and unutilized urban land could become vital components of Europe’s future food infrastructure.”
Reference: Stepan Svintsov, Prajal Pradhan, Taylor Smith, Diego Rybski (2026): Integrating agriculture into European urban landscapes matters: A systematic assessment, Sustainable Cities and Society, 22 April 2026
Journal
Sustainable Cities and Society
Method of Research
Data/statistical analysis
Subject of Research
Not applicable
Article Title
Integrating agriculture into European urban landscapes matters: A systematic assessment
Article Publication Date
22-Apr-2026
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