L’agriparc : une innovation pour l’agriculture des territoires urbains ?

We are dealing with agriculture as new object of urban policies through the example of the agriparc, a multifunctional agricultural park project included in the urban space. Our analysis is based upon a follow-up of planning policies in Montpellier, and on a series of interviews on the implementation of one agriparc project. The case of Montpellier is put into perspective among various European examples. Then we focus on the agriparc of Viviers, showing how this project is part of the strategies facility of the stakeholders. The study of this device reveals that their visions of agriculture and their interests differ. Our critical analysis of the project allows us to discuss the agriparc as an innovation tool for agriculture in urban areas. This example leads ultimately to an understanding of innovation as a product of the relationships between local stakeholders, which does not conform to the model resulting from the references of multifunctionality and sustainability. Moving from concept to reality, agriparc becomes a ?living lab? where several forms of urban agriculture coexist. They differ in their technical and economic models, and in their links to the city.