Abergavenny will be the setting for a four-day transnational conference to focus on sustainable food development. Organised by the local Agri-Urban group, the conference features delegates from ten European cities and takes place from September 14 to 17 at St Michael’s Centre. For one day it will also feature as part of the Abergavenny Food Festival.

Agri-Urban, an Urbact network, is about rethinking approaches and development to food production and activating growth potential by innovation and new business models, developing a link between urban and rural spaces with an aim of stimulating employment. It builds on the partnerships of 11 settlements representing 10 EU countries.

Abergavenny is the only UK town taking part in this project along with Baena (Spain), Mollet Del Valles (Spain), Pyli (Greece), Petrinja (Croatia), Cesena (Italy), Jelgava (Latvia), Fundao (Portugal), Mouans Sartoux (France), Soldertalje (Sweden) and LAG Pays De Condruses (Belgium).

At the Abergavenny Food Festival fringe event, the Agri-Urban partnership will host Professor Kevin Morgan who will be offering his unique insight into 'The Importance of a Sustainable Food Agenda/What food Says about you and your community'.

David Morris, deputy head of food in the Welsh Government, will explain Agri-Urban in the context of the Welsh Government’s food strategy and plans.

Miguel Sousa, CEO of INOVA and lead expert of Urbact III project Agri-Urban, will speak about the hidden innovations happening across Europe and the rest of the world, while Sidarth Sharma, of the Shambala Food Festival, will offer his insight and ideas into 'Creating a Food System in a Benevolent Dictatorship'.

John Prosser, co-ordinator of the local Urbact group, said: “We are delighted to participate in the Abergavenny Food Festival, offering a fringe event which will provide an insight and discussion on a ‘place for food’.”

The fringe event is free and tickets and information can be found at www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/programme/the-place-for-food/ or by contacting Deseriemansfield@monmouthshire.gov.uk.