Wageningen, 14 February 2022 / Wageningen University & Research The first episode of the podcast “Urban Greenhouse Talks” is airing on 14 February 2022 and will be accessible on PodBean channel. This five-episode podcast series explores the world of urban farming through the lens of the Urban Greenhouse Challenge#3, an international student competition organised by Wageningen University & Research.
In the first episode, hosts Renee Snijders and Ed Smit look back at the origins of the Urban Greenhouse Challenge and examine how urban farming has changed in the last 10 years. They interview the godfather of the competition, Prof. Gert Spaargaren (WUR), the ‘brain’ behind the third, social-impact edition, Dr. Sigrid Wertheim-Heck (WUR) and Henry Gordon Smith, who is CEO and founder of Agritecture (one of the partners of the Challenge).
This segment will also look at the future of urban farming. The guests will discuss the role of food innovation in relation to social innovation and the value of local communities as part of new advancements in the sector. “Greenhouses need to match the society’s needs”, points out Dr.Wertheim-Heck, an argument supported by Prof. Spaargaren’s observation that “the food agenda should follow the social agenda.” Henry Gordon-Smith will share examples of urban farming projects that successfully meet social needs.
The first episode of the podcast aims to inspire the participants in the Urban Greenhouse Challenge and urban farming professionals to rethink urban food production. Instead of focusing purely on technical and financial aspects, the podcast invites everyone to include social impact in the equation.
“Urban Greenhouse Talks” is produced by Wageningen University & Research in collaboration with Eat This. It aims to channel the expertise from various leaders in the urban farming sector.
Link to listen to/ download the episode
What is the “Urban Greenhouse Challenge #3”?
The Urban Greenhouse Challenge is an international student competition that aims to catalyse innovation in urban farming. The third edition of the Challenge focuses on creating an urban farm concept that ensures year-round sustainable and affordable food production while also generating income for the local residents of Ward 7, a neighbourhood in Washington DC, USA. Read more about the Urban Greenhouse Challenge.
About WUR Student Challenges:
Wageningen University & Research organises Challenges for students worldwide and supports WUR teams that participate in student competitions via WUR Student Challenges. These challenges pose a unique and enriching opportunity for students to work on real-life problems and to make a difference. Find out more about the opportunities for both students and sponsoring enterprises.
