Montpellier Asks: How Can We Implement Agroecological Practices on Public Land?
Montpellier is continuing to build upon the co-creation conversations that were started as part of SPADES in September 2025. The key focus? How to integrate agriculture into public land management strategies. At the most recent workshop, participants focused on the practical challenges that emerge once a farmer has been selected to manage public land. Topics included access to irrigation water, roads and electricity, planning authorisations for agricultural facilities, and environmental clauses that in land leases that require soil preservation and restoration.
Following an introduction on the diverse needs of farmers across agricultural sectors, participants worked in thematic groups using the “service blueprint” methodology. This facilitation tool helped map administrative processes, identify the actors and resources involved, and generate ideas to improve coordination between services and better support farmers. The workshop also fostered dialogue between agricultural stakeholders and metropolitan staff. Participants highlighted the value of developing a shared understanding of both farming realities and administrative procedures.
Soil health and restoration formed the heart of the discussion. Participants discussed shared responsibilities for restoring degraded soils, recognising that current soil conditions may reflect past land-use decisions. Several opportunities were identified, including strengthening circular approaches for managing green waste and improving soil monitoring through regular assessments and data collection.
Among the practical recommendations emerging from the workshop was the creation of dedicated contact points within the metropolitan administration to guide farmers through procedures and connect them with relevant services. Participants concluded that anticipating agricultural needs within spatial planning processes is essential for enabling agroecological practices and supporting sustainable land management in the long term.
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