The SUDOE area is characterized, on the one hand, by rural and inland areas facing demographic decline and difficulties in maintaining jobs and services, and on the other hand, by densely populated urban centers and peripheral coastal areas, where activities and employment are concentrated. These places involve a wide variety of groups in agroecological production and sustainable food, and promote a series of innovations by and for all. By promoting “learning by doing” and participatory processes, they contribute to strengthening social ties, empowering communities, and welcoming talent. By fostering entrepreneurship, the creation of shared tools, and collaborations, they act as a lever for economic development and employment. By integrating the challenges of food sovereignty, these positively impact the local food system.
We will create a resource center for project organizers and local authorities, which will include an inventory of public policies, a mapped directory, and a documentary database. We will design and test innovative intervention and public support mechanisms to encourage the emergence and consolidation of initiatives. We will organize consultation sessions to identify needs at key stages in the life of the projects and formulate recommendations to strengthen support policies for third agri-food spaces. The results will be evaluated and capitalized so that they can be transferred to other rural areas.
Our consortium is formed by 8 partners (3 in France, 3 in Spain, and 2 in Portugal). Our pilot projects are located in Nouvelle Aquitaine, Occitania, Extremadura, Andalusia, Cantabria, and Alentejo. Transnational cooperation will allow us to multiply our sources of inspiration, learn from the most advanced experiences, and gain large-scale recognition for third agri-food spaces.