C.U.R.A. addresses the growing disconnect between urban and rural communities by fostering active citizen involvement in food production and civic agriculture. At its core is the idea that agriculture isn't just an economic activity — it also improves quality of life and supports fundamental rights, through practices like social agriculture, farmers' markets, Community Supported Agriculture, and Solidarity Purchase Groups. Together, these practices can build new civic networks and a stronger role for communities in shaping how food systems are governed.

C.U.R.A.'s core result is the RURBAN FOOD LAB — a collaborative space for dialogue, innovation, and co-creation, led by the grassroots initiative of MicroCosmo organic farm. Here, farmers, citizens, environmental associations, civil society organizations, and policymakers work together to prototype shorter, fairer, and more sustainable local food chains that meet the needs of both producers and consumers.

Through a bottom-up, transdisciplinary approach, C.U.R.A. combines participatory workshops, training sessions, and hands-on activities to build the knowledge, skills, and connections of participants from rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. Together, they prototype new business and social models tailored to Perugia, strengthening rural-urban ties, sustainable food practices, and environmental protection.

C.U.R.A. also reviews best practices in civic agriculture initiatives that connect rural and urban communities across Europe, alongside relevant EU and local policies. Insights from the RURBAN FOOD LAB feed directly into a set of policy recommendations, summarized in a policy brief for decision-makers.

The project C.U.R.A. culminates in RURBANIA: Transition towards a shared RURBAN food culture — a public exhibition showcasing real stories of farmers and consumers collaborating to build sustainable, resilient local food systems, in Perugia and across Europe.