Circular Urban Food Policies: The “Food in the Circular City” Model Promoted by the City of Prato

Abstract

Urban food policies are highly relevant among the governance policies of a city. By putting food at the centre of a system of relations at a territorial level, it is possible to create an integrated system. Modern urban food policies also incorporate the principles of sustainability and the circular economy. This paper presents the 'Food in the Circular City' model, developed within the framework of the 'Prato Circular City' strategy, promoted by the Municipality of Prato to accelerate the city's circular transition. This model aims to achieve a balance between supply and demand for agricultural products for the city, which does not necessarily have to achieve self-sufficiency, but rather an integrated and harmonized system of relations between city and countryside that optimizes production to meet real needs in terms of quality and quantity. The affirmation of a circular urban agri-food system and of this integrated vision of food production and consumption also requires access to scientific knowledge, technologies, incentives and financial facilities available to all interested parties. The aim of the 'Food in the Circular City' model is the creation of a short and multifunctional supply chain, constituting an overall design for the enhancement of Prato's agrifood offer.