Éric Duchemin, Scientific Director at the Urban Agriculture Laboratory and Associate Professor at UQAM, spoke during the Innovative UA Governance session at URBAGR’INN DAYS 2025 about the evolution of urban agriculture in Quebec

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Urban agriculture in Quebec has undergone a profound transformation over the last two decades, evolving from informal, citizen-led “guerrilla gardening” initiatives into a structured movement embedded within formal urban governance frameworks. This shift, highlighted during Éric Duchemin’s presentation at the Innovative UA Governance session of URBAGR’INN DAYS 2025, reflects a broader trend observable across North America and Europe.

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Urban agriculture began largely as a spontaneous, citizen-driven response to issues such as food insecurity, environmental degradation, and a desire for community connection. Early actions were often informal “guerrilla gardening” efforts, where citizens reclaimed unused or neglected urban spaces to grow food. These efforts were driven by passion and necessity but often lacked official recognition, making land access, financial support, and policy backing major hurdles.

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Éric Duchemin’s research highlights that over the past 20 years, this informal landscape has gradually shifted. Cities like Montreal began to develop structured policies and plans to support urban agriculture, such as dedicated municipal action plans. These frameworks created pathways for collaboration between local governments, regional authorities, and community groups, offering more secure access to land and funding, and encouraging sustainable urban development.

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Despite the progress, Duchemin pointed out ongoing challenges: regulatory frameworks often remain complex and not fully adapted to the unique realities of urban farming. Navigating zoning laws, bureaucratic procedures, and securing long-term land tenure still present significant obstacles. Additionally, there is a strong need for capacity-building and education to empower urban farmers and ensure the sustainability of projects.

 

The session emphasized that urban agriculture’s future lies in inclusive governance models that engage all stakeholders — from citizens and local communities to researchers and policymakers. This collective approach will be key to overcoming remaining barriers and fully realizing urban agriculture’s potential in fostering resilient, sustainable cities.

 

The insights shared by Éric Duchemin provide not only a case study from Quebec but also valuable lessons for urban agriculture initiatives worldwide. As cities continue to face challenges related to climate change, food security, and social cohesion, the journey from informal gardens to formal governance offers a roadmap for integrating urban agriculture into the heart of urban planning and policy.