Groof Masterclass at the ‘Centre of Research in Urban Agriculture’ (CRAU) from the ‘University of Liege’
Video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H45g4BGKefc&feature=youtu.be
On September 23rd, Groof project participated in the inauguration of the Walloon platform in urban agriculture, WASABI, in Gembloux at the Centre of Research in Urban Agriculture (CRAU) of the University of Liège! This event has gathered over 200 specialists of urban agriculture, online and offline, for a full day of master classes and guiding tours of the different sites. In the presence of His Majesty King Philippe of Belgium and the Minister of Agriculture and Economy, Willy Borsus.
Early in the afternoon, the masterclass of the GROOF project partners began. Professionals with complementary expertise in construction, energy, production and business exchanged their views on the challenges involved in carrying out rooftop greenhouse projects. Our master class was an opportunity to share with Belgian urban agriculture professionals the knowledge acquired throughout the project progress with, among others, the four rooftop greenhouse pilot projects under construction in France, Germany and Luxembourg.
The GROOF project also provides guidance for rooftop greenhouse projects since 2019. The selection of the 5 pioneer projects that will benefit from a coaching by GROOF experts until June 2021 was announced at WASABI.
During this event, a partnership was concluded with the C-RAU and the AU/LAB (Laboratory on Urban Agriculture in Quebec). These two centres specialized in urban agriculture, one in Canada and the other one in Belgium, will thus combine their knowledge and skills. On both sides of the Atlantic, it will therefore be possible to optimize actions and to create an international network of actors in the sector.
Later in the afternoon, participants split into small groups to visit the WASABI platform, from vegetable gardens to aquaponic systems, from containers and the botanical garden to the green roof of the TERRA research centre that will host the Groof greenhouse.
The opening of WASABI to the general public is scheduled for spring 2021.
