Feed the Future
The Local Challenge
The community of Rates faces declining youth engagement in agriculture, once central to its cultural and economic identity. This loss erodes both livelihoods and traditions, weakening ties to land and heritage. Limited access to education and cultural spaces, including the absence of a library, restricts opportunities for young and migrant students. Rising social fragmentation, isolation, and intensive farming reduce resilience to climate change. Our challenge is to revive agricultural heritage while fostering inclusion, equal learning opportunities, and civic participation.
The Initiative
Feed the Future is structured around three interconnected pillars addressing social and cultural challenges in Rates. The Community Library, created within Casa-Escola Agrícola and linked to Póvoa’s municipal library, provides free access to books, internet, and resources for youth, seniors, migrants, and residents. The Community Vegetable Garden combines individual plots with a student-managed section whose harvest is donated, promoting sustainable practices. The Awareness Campaign shares farmers’ stories through video and events, highlighting tradition and innovation. Led by the school with Centro do Clima and Horpozim, the project strengthens local identity, inclusion, community cohesion, and environmental awareness.
What’s Next?
The new library remains a permanent community hub that strengthens local food systems and pride in place. Casa-Escola Agrícola and Horpozim continue their collaboration, expanding mentoring, garden plots and year-round learning. A small seed bank and recipe archive preserve local varieties and food traditions. Seasonal fairs and open days draw in schools, families and growers from nearby villages, building a wider network of support. Young people gain skills they can use for work or micro-enterprise, while older farmers pass on expertise with dignity. The lasting legacy is a confident rural community that grows together—socially, culturally and economically—while caring for the soil.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
