Metropolitan Food Clusters (MFC) have been developed since the 2000s, grounded in in-depth research of the agri-food system in Northwestern Europe. In applying this concept, we follow six core principles.

1. Integrated co-design of ‘hardware’, ‘orgware’, and ‘software’:
   

   This involves the coordinated design of production and processing technologies, logistics systems, infrastructure, and spatial layout (hardware); collaboration and collaboration model among knowledge institutes, businesses, and governmental and non-governmental organizations (orgware); and the development of knowledge, education, innovation and communication strategies (software).

2. Increase resource use efficiency to produce more with less:
   

   Utilizing efficiency-oriented technologies in production, processing, and distribution to maximize productivity while minimizing the use of land and other resources, such as energy, water, minerals, and human capacity.

3. Vertical integration from farm to fork:
   

   Clustering different stages of the supply chain (inputs, production, processing, and distribution) to reduce transportation and transaction costs, control biosecurity risks, enhance market responsiveness, and ensure the equitable distribution of value along the chain.

4. Horizontal integration:
   Integrating different supply chains (e.g., plant and animal production) to create an industrial symbiosis that retains the value of by-products and reduces waste and emissions.
   
   
5. Intelligent agro-logistics:
   Ensuring efficient transport of fresh products between supply and demand by creating multiple interconnected networks within food clusters and between clusters, retailers, consumers, and raw material providers. This also includes a robust communication network linking all players in the system, such as consumers, producers, and service providers.
   
   
6. Integrated spatial planning:
   

   Optimizing land use by enhancing the productivity of high-yield areas and transitioning low-yield areas to other functions. This approach reduces the land required for agriculture and food production, freeing up space for such as water, recreation, green energy production, and biodiversity.