(De)growing food in Hungary
with Logan Strenchock – 26.02.25
In this episode of the podcast, I had the chance to talk with Logan Strenchock, whose inspiring work revolves around creating more sustainable, community-centered cities through local food production and alternative mobility solutions. While Logan’s background is impressive, this conversation focused more on the initiatives he’s deeply involved in: projects that are making real, tangible changes in Hungary.
Rethinking urban food systems with Zsámboki Bioker
One of the central topics we discussed was Zsámboki Biokert, a bio-intensive market garden located about an hour from Budapest. What struck me the most about this project is how it goes beyond simply being an organic farm. Zsámboki Biokert isn’t just certified organic; it follows practices that surpass the standard requirements, emphasizing soil health, minimal tillage, and all-season food production.
“We’re inspired by all-season production because there’s no off-season for us. Even in autumn and winter, we’re growing vegetables.”
He also shared how the farm draws inspiration from historical practices:
“It (the city of Paris) was once self-sufficient in food production. We’re trying to recreate that closed-loop food system in a modern context.”
What’s remarkable is the farm’s commitment to serving local communities. They’ve created a hybrid weekly box system, delivering fresh produce directly to consumers in Budapest and nearby areas.
“Increasing access to locally produced healthy food should be a goal for all cities…because building resilient, self-sufficient communities starts with reconnecting people to what they eat and how it’s grown.”
Cargonomia to connect food and people
But Logan’s work doesn’t stop at food. We also talked about Cargonomia, a self-organized collective he co-founded in Budapest. Cargonomia merges sustainable mobility with local food distribution by using cargo bicycles for home deliveries. Over the years, it has evolved into a community hub offering cargo bikes on a donation basis, running educational workshops on topics like food growing, bicycle repair, and even discussions around degrowth.
“Cargonomia is a commons sharing experiment. We provide cargo bikes for free on a donation basis because accessibility matters.”
Cargonomia’s use of cargo bikes is more than just a practical transportation choice, it’s a statement about how cities can be designed differently.
“For us, it’s not just about transportation. It’s about showing that sustainable alternatives exist and they’re achievable.”
A degrowth perspective for education?
Our discussion also focused on the degrowth movement, a theme central to Logan’s projects. Degrowth questions the conventional pursuit of endless economic growth and instead prioritizes well-being, community resilience, and sustainable living.
“We need to challenge the myth of endless economic growth. We have one planet with finite resources…let’s start acting like it.”
What resonated with me was how Logan described degrowth not as an abstract academic concept but as something practical, embedded in everyday actions. Through Cargonomia and Zsámboki Biokert, he shows that degrowth can take the form of simple, community-based initiatives that make cities healthier and more livable.
Under this concept, Logan also emphasized the importance of education and outreach. From hosting youth camps on the farm to offering apprenticeships and internships at Cargonomia, his initiatives are about empowering the next generation.
“It’s not enough just to establish something yourself. The next stage is to empower others in their own community.”
Additionally, Logan highlighted the traineeship program at Cargonomia. Participants engage in hands-on training, learning how to manage small-scale farms, operate cargo bikes for local deliveries, and develop community initiatives inspired by degrowth principles. The trainer program is aimed at equipping individuals with the tools and experience needed to replicate similar projects in their own communities, fostering a broader network of sustainable urban solutions across Europe. Do you want to get involved? Reach out!
I appreciated how these educational programs focus on hands-on learning, showing people how to grow food, repair bikes, and build self-organized projects. It’s about helping people imagine alternative ways of living and organizing urban life.
Building cities for people and nature
What I personally took away from this conversation is how interconnected these initiatives are. Access to local food, sustainable transport, and community participation aren’t separate issues, they’re part of a broader vision for cities that prioritize people and the environment.
“Building sustainable cities starts with reconnecting people to local food and community-driven initiatives.”
This simple yet powerful statement really stuck with me. It reminds us that transformative change doesn’t always come from top-down policies. Sometimes, it starts with a garden on the city’s outskirts, a cargo bike weaving through busy streets, or a small group of people who believe cities can be places where sustainability and community come first.
Let’s keep the conversation going and continue imagining what our urban spaces could become if we prioritize people, well-being, and nature.
- Host and Editor: Fanny Téoule
- Guests: Logan Strenchock
- Music composer: Jenny Nedosekina
- Graphic designer: Julia Micklewright