ERRIN BIOECONOMY WORKING GROUP

PROJECT FACILITATION WORKSHOP HORIZON 2020 GREEN DEAL CALL AREA: FARM TO FORK

Tuesday 15 September, 14.00-16.00

OVERVIEW – PROJECT IDEAS/VIRTUAL DISCUSSION TABLES

Challenge A. Achieving climate neutral farms by reducing GHG emissions and by increasing farm-based carbon sequestration and storage (IA)

• A network of European Living Labs for joint innovative solutions for climate neutral farms within the green and blue sectors – Mid-Norway blue-green living labs for climate neutral farms, Mære agricultural school and Agricultural Climate and Energycenter

• Carbon neutral farms: opportunities for making a positive environmental impact and enhancing business potential for rural societies in Europe – Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

• A more diverse, robust, and sustainable aquaculture in Europe – Nofima AS

• Creating a framework methodology for actors and stakeholders involved in the agri-food system to transform current production landscapes in climate neutral and resilient food landscapes of the future – Vlaamse Landmaatschappij

Challenge B. Achieving climate neutral food businesses by mitigating climate change, reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency in processing, distribution, conservation and preparation of food (IA)

• Future grass protein for carbon neutral food processing (ProGrass) - Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

• Sustainable packaging from farm to fork supply chain and urban agriculture systems – Tampere University of Applied Sciences

Challenge C. Reducing the dependence on hazardous pesticides; reducing the use and increasing the efficiency of fertilisers; reducing the losses of nutrients from fertilisers, towards zero pollution of water, soil, and air (IA)

• Biodiversity Benefits for Agriculture – Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), in collaboration with the Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO)

• Developing environmentally friendly biotechnological methods delivering novel pesticides – Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences

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Challenge E. Reducing food losses and waste at every stage of the food chain including consumption, while also avoiding unsustainable packaging (IA)

• Genetic improvement towards Food Security – University of Trento

• Reducing food loss and waste from animal and by-products processing – Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences

Challenge F. Shifting to sustainable healthy diets, sourced from land, inland water and sea, and accessible to all EU citizens, including the most deprived and vulnerable groups (IA)

• Improve the use of neglected and underutilized proteins sources from land and sea – Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)

• Shifting to sustainable healthy menus in schools – ProVeg International

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CHALLENGE A

Project idea owner Mid-Norway blue-green living labs for climate neutral farms, Mære agricultural school and Agricultural Climate and Energycenter Challenge A. Achieving climate neutral farms by reducing GHG emissions and by increasing farm-based carbon sequestration and storage (IA) Description of the project idea

Basic idea We propose to establish a network of European Living Labs, to develop and implement innovations for future farming - heading for climate neutral solutions. From Mid- Norway we contribute with Mære Living lab (green sector) and Val Living lab (blue sector) from the leading innovation district Trøndelag. Mære and Val represent established farms combined with being a unique educational arena where students, researchers, innovators, industrial partners, and farmers participate.

We are looking for innovation partners and Living Labs in Europe for joint innovative solutions for climate neutral farms within the green and blue sectors and invite for involvement of students/young professionals as ambassadors for climate solutions.

European Dimension Heading for a climate neutral farm transition in Europe requires testing and demonstrating systemic innovations in real living labs. Cooperation across Europe with R&D actors, innovators and farmers will contribute to a wider and quicker implementation of innovative solutions. The Living Labs provide arenas for testing and demonstration of different innovative solutions for different regions and farming systems, including synergies between green and blue sectors. Mære and Val Living Labs are located in Mid-Norway Trøndelag, and represent the Nordic region (climate and production systems). The innovative solutions often meet barriers before implementation. In Norway there is a short distance between research, innovation, advisory service and the end user of the new technology/knowledge, and there is a high degree of trust between the different groups of actors. Norwegian farmers are early adopters of new digital tools, and new knowledge is implemented quite quickly. Across Europe, countries can benefit from implementing and disseminating new innovative solutions for climate neutral food production.

Main activities in the project • Establishing a network of farms as Living lab facilities in different climatic zones and sociocultural environments in Europe. • Identifying, developing and implementing (technical, biological and systemic) innovations within e.g. reduced GHG for livestock and crop production, energy solutions for farm buildings and machinery. • Identifying innovations synergies between green and blue sectors (e.g. recycling fish sludge for plant and forage production, biogas from manure and fish sludge etc.) developing and implementing new innovation. • Identifying, developing, and implementing innovations for increased carbon storage for different farming systems. • Using a systemic approach, evaluating root causes and drivers in the environmental, economic, social, and cultural systems of farming, allowing development of innovative technology for successful implementation. • Innovative dissemination of results by e.g. in new digital ways and using students/farmers from Living Lab as ambassadors.

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Expected results and impact The project's targeted audience for implementation of innovative solutions, pointed out through research and testing, is farmers in agriculture and aquaculture. The ambition of the project is to establish climate neutral farms, by reducing GHG emissions and increasing carbon sequestration and sustainable food production. Active involvement of farmers and young students as ambassadors, in addition to the involvement of regional innovation ecosystems, will contribute to a faster implementation of the project's outtake. Through this project, we seek to facilitate development and piloting of innovative solutions within climate neutral farming across Europe.

The project will identify barriers across Europe and aims to enable and develop solutions for the implementation of mitigation and sequestration measures on a diversity of European farms.

The project will develop and demonstrate synergy innovations in blue and green sectors for upscaling and industrialisation. This can contribute to recycling nutrients for plant and forage production, reducing the negative environmental impact, improving soil quality, and contributing to protein production.

As a partner we represent a Mid-Norwegian consortium consisting of R&Ds, innovators, farmers and the existing Living Labs Mære and Val (agriculture and aquaculture farms for development and education). The partners have extensive experience and competence with cooperating in research and innovation projects linked to climate neutral farms, both on a local, regional, national and european level.

The "Agricultural Climate and Energy Center" on Mære is an arena for R&D, knowledge dissemination and various demonstration facilities. The development of the center has taken place in close collaboration with local, regional and national agricultural organizations. The center is financed by the Norwegian state budget, and is recognized as a part of a national research and innovation program Zen (Research Centre on Zero Emission Neighbourhoods). Mære agricultural school has in many contexts established groups of farmers/gardeners who participate together with the school in the development towards becoming a climate neutral farm. Mære has, in cooperation with the partners listed below, ongoing activities heading for becoming a climate neutral farm, related to the following research areas within energy production: Solar energy, biogas, energy harvesting, bioenergy, zero emission neighbourhood, farming practices, agronomy, precision farming, greenhouse production- energy savings, reduced emission from livestock in farm buildings, manure storage, livestock feeding and breeding, management of peat soil, carbon sequestration, biochar implementation at farm level, catch crops and crop rotations.

Val FoU (R&D) has together with Val school ongoing activities inside both aquaculture and agricultural areas. This includes operating aquaculture farms for salmon, macroalgae, farming practices on sea and land (several marine species and livestock farming), green energy solutions and blue-green crossovers as using sludge from aquaculture as fertilizer.

Type of partners sought We are looking for innovation partners and Living Labs in Europe for joint innovative solutions for climate neutral farms within the green and blue sectors and invite for involvement of students/young professionals as ambassadors for climate solutions.

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Project idea owner Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Challenge A. Achieving climate neutral farms by reducing GHG emissions and by increasing farm-based carbon sequestration and storage (IA) Description of the project idea

Carbon neutral farms: opportunities for making a positive environmental impact and enhancing business potential for rural societies in Europe (Tentative : CNFARMS) The coronavirus crisis has underlined the importance of a robust and resilient food system that functions in all circumstances and is capable of ensuring access to a sufficient supply of affordable food for citizens. It has also made us acutely aware of the interrelations between our health, ecosystems, supply chains, consumption patterns and planetary boundaries. We need to do much more to keep ourselves and the planet healthy. The current is just one example. The increasing recurrence of droughts, floods, forest fires and new pests are a constant reminder that our food system is under threat and must become more sustainable and resilient. The agricultural sector in Europe is facing significant challenges in curbing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while ensuring the food security and sustainability in a changing climate. Global agriculture is currently under an unprecedented pressure due to the projected increases in the world’s population and a shift in emerging countries towards higher consumption of resource. This will require the development of innovative farming and systems that ensure sustainability while increasing productivity. Agricultural sector accounts for 10% of the (EU) total GHG emissions and is the largest contributor of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) i.e.non-CO2 GHG emissions. The EU energy and climate framework policy for the period 2021- 2030 includes the objective to reduce GHG emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels.

The Green Deal Scope 2A proposal (CNFARMS) will explore the nexus between profitability, milk production and small and large ruminant meat productivity, greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon sequestration of livestock businesses in an increasingly variable climate. The proposal aims to conduct an integrated assessment including farm case studies in regions throughout Europe and extend it to the global scale with international collaborators from Canada, USA, Australia and China. The study will identify farming systems adaptations that are profitable, environmentally sustainable and targeted towards future market opportunities. Adaptation options will explore pasture feed base options (e.g. new and grasses), animal genetics, new technology (e.g. virtual fencing) and management options, as well as options to capture value from emerging carbon markets. Through computer modelling and work with farmers, the project will inform future research and development investment in grazing systems with higher resilience to climate change and challenges across global integrated farming systems. The project will provide a series of farm systems that can be used to either demonstrate or research options to raise profitability under a changing climate.

With a view to exploring the opportunities for a neutral or positive environmental impact from integrated farming systems across Europe, we have put together the following course of action. Current EU partners: Hungary, Belgium, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, (the hunt is on) Suggested companies in Finland: Valio, Atria, Yaara, HK

WP1: Stock taking: Synthesis of Exisiting data on GHG emissions from all constituent parts of a farming system – Livestock (Cattle and small ruminants), Grasslands, Soil nutrient losses, aquaculture WP2: Low-carbon animal production: Integrated barn systems: CH4 emissions from livestock, NH3 emissions, feed intake impact studies – legumes Vs , harvesting heights, and milk production, cow breeds, waste handling, biogas production potentials, Land use associated emissions and soil C sequestration : organic Vs minerals soils, conventional Vs organic farming, nutrient leaching to adjacent waters, new and existing data, ecosystem scale C and N balances, NH3 exchange, Grazing emissions

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WP3: Benefits and risks of alternative meat and dairy products (e.g., Aquaculture –associated GHG mitigation opportunities - need to decide if this needed here) WP4: Proof of concept => integrated approach to test/validate how to integrate aims in an overall system (overall carbon compensation to achieve carbon neutrality) WP5: Integrated Farming system Modelling: This will involve all aspects – emissions and c sequestration, opportunities for mitigation from grasslands, livestock, aquaculture, nutrient leaching losses – opportunities to contain these losses WP6: Carbon footprint and Facilitating Carbon Trading - opportunities for mitigation by a) analyzing institutional regulations b) developing sound strategies for carbon footprints with inputs from science backed carbon estimates WP7: Sustainable business: Practices for offsetting emissions using C credits and risk analysis. WP8: Dissemination and Communication WP9: Project management

Type of partners sought

Universities and Research organizations from EU and International collaborators Agriculture and Livestock research, Socioeconomy, Common Agricultural Policy analysists Industrial partners from Food, Farming, Water, GHG measurements, Drone technology, ICT companies, Remote sensing and GIS specialists, Carbon calculators, Farmer organization representatives, Regional rural development authorities (Basically anybody associated with Agricultural and Livestock research and operations)

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Project idea owner Nofima AS Challenge A. Achieving climate neutral farms by reducing GHG emissions and by increasing farm-based carbon sequestration and storage (IA) Description of the project idea

The objective of the project is to: • Demonstrate innovative systemic solutions that have the potential to generate significant positive impacts by 2030 with regards to: o Achieving climate neutrality of aquaculture systems; reducing GHG emissions; increasing carbon sequestration and storage; o Providing sufficient, safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all; o Improving the overall sustainability of food systems (social/health, climate/environmental and economic); o Improving the resilience of food systems to shocks and stresses. • Contribute significantly to the achievement of the objectives and targets of the Farm-to-Fork Strategy1 and The European Green Deal2, and in particular to reduce GHG-emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared with 1990 levels. • Achieve an increase in awareness among policy makers, businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, stakeholders and citizens of selected innovative systemic solutions, of their potential of the requirements to promote and realise their uptake at EU scale and behavioural change.

We suggest a more diverse, robust and sustainable aquaculture in Europe by increasing the culturing of low trophic organisms (LTO), which also can utilize waste nutrients from fish farming and processing, and further become a source of feed ingredients for farm fish. LTOs like blue mussels and clams can also be utilized for food directly, which is very resource effective and environmentally friendly. Production of low trophic aquaculture organisms is needed for sustainable growth in the aquaculture sector together with other organisms such as insects to recycle and utilize residuary products from the seafood industry. By this the aquaculture and seafood industry will contribute to the future circular bioeconomy. Furthermore, both farmed seaweed and shellfish show significant potential for carbon sequestration. However, strategies for carbon storage from seaweed and shells need to be further developed.

A broad research-driven and system-oriented innovation effort is therefore required to develop a profitable production on low-trophic organisms along with the development of the processing industry, market demand for the LTO products as well as adequate regulations. This will require a broad range of biological, technical and social innovations as well as facilitation of a system-oriented and responsible research and innovation process (RRI) involving complex interactions and sometimes conflicting interests.

Our vision is a climate neutral aquaculture industry in Europe that is integrated in a sustainable, circular bioeconomy, and is based on species diversity and low-trophic organisms resulting from a smooth transition of RRI processes. Type of partners sought Partners with expertise on: - Mediterranean aquaculture of fish and low trophic species - Integrated and different multitrophic aquaculture systems - Innovation processes/systems in circular supply chains - Carbon sequestration and storage using aquaculture species

1 See European Commission Communication “A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally- friendly food system”, COM(2020)381 2 See European Commission Communication “The European Green Deal”, COM(2019)640

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- Analysis of climate and environmental impacts - Technology and digitalization for low carbon farming and circular supply chains

Project idea owner Vlaamse Landmaatschappij Challenge A. Achieving climate neutral farms (on land, water and sea) by reducing GHG emissions and by increasing farm-based carbon sequestration and storage; Description of the project idea The agri-food sector is the first to be confronted with climate change as is asserted by recent drought periods and extreme precipitation events. Furthermore agri-food has an important role in climate change mitigation while current production and consumption patterns are associated with social (including animal welfare), environmental and economic issues. The challenge is to transform the food system so that it is capable of feeding a fast growing world-population while bringing it within a safe and just operating space encompassing planetary health, economic viability and social welfare, and including human health. Solutions aiming at innovative systemic transformation are needed.

Although the seeds for this transition are already present, for example under the form of new farming models, precision farming, digitisation,… their implementation stays limited to only a small fraction of the EU farms and food businesses. To achieve an acceleration in the transition this project idea is not only looking at farm level solutions but will look at the transition of the food system at landscape level. The aim of the project is to create a framework methodology for actors and stakeholders involved in the agri-food system to transform current production landscapes in climate neutral and resilient food landscapes of the future. Strategies to achieve climate neutral and resilient food landscapes encompass cooperation between farmers (re)connecting livestock and arable production as well as creating agro-ecological infrastructure within the landscape.

The framework methodology will be developed, tested, and validated in different pilot areas and case studies, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increase of carbon storage in those areas. In a second phase of the project demonstration activities aiming at producers, businesses, advisors, consumers, local and regional authorities, … will be organised in the different pilot areas and the framework methodology is disseminated in Europe.

Type of partners sought For this project idea already a consortium with a number of Flemish partners is gathered. Therefore, we are mainly looking for partners from other EU regions. To strengthen the multi-actor approach of the project this can be producers, agri-food businesses, farmer organisations, farm advisors, research institutions, NGO’s, local or regional authorities,… preferably the partners are active in a potential pilot area/case study in which a network of actors already is present.

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CHALLENGE B

Project idea owner Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Challenge B. Achieving climate neutral food businesses by mitigating climate change, reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency in processing, distribution, conservation and preparation of food (IA) Description of the project idea

Provisional title Future grass protein for carbon neutral food processing (ProGrass)

Specific objectives of the call text The Farm to Fork Strategy, which is at the heart of the European Green Deal, aims to address the challenges and accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems, to ensure that the economic, social and environmental foundations of food and nutrition security are not compromised for current and future generations.

Objectives of ProGrass The objective is to innovate the ways that grasses and forage legumes are incorporated into the food chain through multiple value chains and their enabling environments: i) Plant-Feed-Animal pathways: improvement of grass utilization into non-conventional monogastric animal diets and development of green biorefinery application for strategic use of feed resources for ruminants; ii) Plant-Food pathways: boosting use of grass- based protein in human diets and optimizing technologies for grass-protein food models; and iii) Food- Ecosystem-Society interconnections: assessment of the novel feed and food production lines on carbon footprint and ecosystem services as well as determination of the socioeconomic impacts.

Coordinator: Luke (FI), Daniel Granato. Tentative list of core participants: Valio (FI), Wageningen University (NL), ITACyL (ES), Evonik (GE), SLU (SW), University of Turin (IT), Nofima (NO), INRA (FR).

Reasoning and background to the proposal Consumers have been increasingly concerned about the long-term effects of food production on natural resources and health, which have reflected a higher demand for alternative protein sources, with less carbon footprint and less negative impacts on climate and environment. For instance, roughly 40% of the European consumers opt for plant-based products. Majority of the GHG emissions of foods originates from the primary production, which emphasizes the importance of the farm-level activities in achieving carbon-neutral food businesses. Further, EU aims to decrease the use of imported due to environmental issues its production generates in South/North America.

Thus, from the availability of plant-based protein for feed to cattle, swine and poultry to human consumption, the search for new highly available and financially viable alternatives of plant proteins is a necessity that should be addressed accordingly. Grass and underutilized forage legumes may be a feasible alternative to replace and other directly human edible plant proteins in animal production and/or animal protein in human consumption. For instance, grasslands cover more than a third of the European agricultural area, and permanent grassland covers about 8% of the total European land surface and 35% of the utilized agricultural area.

Apart from its importance in livestock production, the utilization of various types of grasslands may potentially contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and landscape of EU countries as well as improving

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food security. Grass can currently be utilized only as a feed for ruminants, but we will develop and demonstrate novel ways to include grass in the food chain. Majority of the GHG emissions of foods originates from the primary production, which emphasizes the importance of the farm-level activities in achieving carbon-neutral food businesses. Grasslands represent an important environmental, cultural and economic source in Europe. Thus, grasses and forage legumes will generate benefits towards achieving the goals set in the Green Deal: carbon neutrality by 2050, sustainable agri-food supply and value chains and increased profitability.

Type of partners sought We are open to any type of collaboration and are particularly looking for companies dealing with meat processing.

Project idea owner Tampere University of Applied Sciences Challenge B. Achieving climate neutral food businesses by mitigating climate change, reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency in processing, distribution, conservation and preparation of food (IA) E. Reducing food losses and waste at every stage of the food chain including consumption, while also avoiding unsustainable packaging (IA) Description of the project idea We propose two project ideas:

1. Sustainable packaging from farm to fork supply chain. Use of side streams of food industry as a material for bio-based or even edible packages. We would focus on applied research together with industry partners and companies developing new materials for packaging.

2. Urban agriculture systems (technical, economic and social viewpoints) in local and hyperlocal food production to increase resilience of urban areas and food security especially in crisis situations. Within the city of Tampere and Tampere Region there are unique areas even for full scale operations, for example the former industrial area Hiedanranta (https://www.tampere.fi/asuminen-ja-ymparisto/kaupunkisuunnittelu-ja- rakentamishankkeet/hiedanranta.html)

The ideas above can also be combined in one project.

Type of partners sought

We are looking for partners interested in developing new sustainable bio-based packaging material for foodstuffs and local food production (urban agriculture). These include both research organisations (universities) and companies interested in technical development, design and concept development. Furthermore, partners from cities and municipalities would be welcome for the possibility of pilot testing.

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CHALLENGE C

Project idea owner Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), in collaboration with the Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO) Challenge C. Reducing the dependence on hazardous pesticides; reducing the use and increasing the efficiency of fertilisers; reducing the losses of nutrients from fertilisers, towards zero pollution of water, soil and air (IA) Description of the project idea

Biodiversity Benefits for Agriculture

The EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the EU Biodiversity Strategy include targets to reduce nutrient losses and the use of chemical pesticides by 50%, to increase the area under organic farming to 25%, and to reserve 10% of the agricultural area for high-diversity landscape features.

These targets seem demanding, but they include a lot of synergy amongst them, and at the end they may turn out beneficial for agricultural production. High-diversity landscape features may support agriculture (Kremen et al., 2018). Their biodiversity may provide a substitute for many costly agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, imported pollinators and irrigation (Isbell et al., 2017, Kremen & Miles, 2012). If well managed they may enhance natural pest and disease control (Badenhausser et al., 2020, Tooker et al., 2020). Through ecological intensification, ecosystem functions that regulate and support agricultural production may be enhanced (Pywell et al., 2015).

During the past decades, scattered across Europe, many initiatives that may support these objectives emerged. They include: • certified farming systems like organic and biodynamic farming; • specific practices like zero tillage farming and agroforestry, which may or may not be part of certified farming systems; • subsidised measures, in particular agri-environment schemes, which may or may not overlap with the above initiatives.

The measures taken are diverse, they are applied at different scales, and need to be looked at in the context of the surrounding landscape. Their effectiveness towards biodiversity and food production, at different scales, in the context of the landscape, is not always well monitored.

The aim of this project is to: • Collect evidence and classify existing practices across Europe that may help in achieving the targets of the Farm to Fork and the Biodiversity Strategy; • Assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, at the appropriate scale and in the context of the surrounding landscape, for enhancing biodiversity and their benefits for agriculture (pest and disease regulation, alleviation of climate extremes, pollination, erosion control, soil fertility maintenance), as well as other benefits (e.g. public health, climate change mitigation and adaptation), and contribute to the European targets; • Explore potential synergies (or conflicts) among these initiatives, options to strengthen their effectiveness in supporting biodiversity and its societal benefits, taking into consideration the

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ecological and socio-economic context, options to scale them up in order to achieve the European targets; • Disseminate the results and provide advice in support of the achievement of the European targets.

The project will be implemented in a transdisciplinary way, with researchers, farmers, and other relevant parties (e.g. farmer organisations, conservation organisations, government institutions) jointly preparing the project, collecting the data and interpreting the results. The data to be collected are related to farming practices (agronomic and socio-economic features), the surrounding landscape, biodiversity, and benefits for agriculture as well as other benefits. They will be collected through questionnaires, existing databases, and dedicated measurements. The project may also involve field experiments.

Type of partners sought

Research institutions, government institutions, stakeholder organisations, businesses, with experience in the role of biodiversity and ecosystems in reducing the dependence on hazardous pesticides and the losses of nutrients from fertilisers, in order to achieve zero pollution of water, soil and air.

Project idea owner Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences Challenge C. Reducing the dependence on hazardous pesticides; reducing the use and increasing the efficiency of fertilisers; reducing the losses of nutrients from fertilisers, towards zero pollution of water, soil and air (IA) Description of the project idea Nowadays the desired features of plant protecting agents include low toxicity and high biodegradability. Natural compounds fulfil such requirements. Looking for such compounds to protect mature against: 1) overgrowing/germination of seeds; 2) mycotoxins commonly produced by phytopathogenic fungus are current issues in biology, chemistry, and agricultural sciences.

In this regard, we develop interest in bicyclic phthalide lactones produced by plants of the Apiaceae Lindl. family (including Ligusticum officinale (Loveroot, old English Lovage), L. chuanxiong, L. wallichii (Chinese Lovage), Angelica sinensis (Chinese Angelica), Apium graveolens (celeriac), and Petroselinum crispum (parsley)). Some of their structures, synthesis and biological activities are described mainly with respect to their use in traditional Chinese medicine. Analysing the literature, it was shown that phthalide-rich plant extracts inhibit germination of seeds and even show herbicide activity. There is a need to perform systematic study on the relationship between structure and biological activity of these compounds. In this purpose we plan to synthesize both natural lactones and their derivatives. We have pointed out that the structures of phthalide lactones are similar to auxins - plant growth regulators. We have also designed lactams with a structure similar to this phytohormones.

Evaluation of the inhibitory/stimulatory effect of phthalides and their derivatives (e.g. lactams) on germination of seeds as well as determination of fungistatic activity against pathogenic filamentous fungi of the genera Fusarium, Alternaria alternata, Epicoccum spp., Ascochyta spp. Cladosporium herbarum, Pythium spp., Rhizoctonia spp. will be carried out under the project. We are also interested in checking whether obtained compounds indicate insecticidal and herbicidal activity.

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Our research is of interdisciplinary nature and consists of chemical synthesis, whole-cells biotransformations, transformations by means of isolated and recombinant enzymes as well as tests for biological activity of both racemic and chiral compounds. For our research we plan to use racemic mixtures of lactones and their derivatives obtained by chemical synthesis. The optically active compounds will be produced by biotransformations, including processes such as: hydroxylation, enantioselective hydrolysis and oxidation. Especially important is to compare biological activity of racemic mixtures and optically active isomers, because enantiomers often differ in their biological properties. Application of biocatalysts and selection of optimal biotransformation conditions are the part of modern biotechnology techniques recommended by Green Chemistry. The products obtained this way are considered as identical with natural compounds. We hope that our study will contribute to development of environmentally friendly biotechnological methods delivering novel pesticides. Type of partners sought Partners from both academia and industry are warmly welcome. The project will be divided in three main parts concerning chemical synthesis, biotransformations and biological activity. Most experiments will be performed in lab and technical scale. Potential partners could participate in screening scale activities connected with enzyme immobilization, product formulation, testing herbicidal and insecticidal activities. We are also looking for industry partner involved in preparative scale research in 1) chemical synthesis of selected lactones and lactams; 2) biocatalysis with the use of whole cells and enzymes in the submerged (SmF) as well as solid state fermentation (SSF) mode; 3) formulation and delivering bioactive compounds directly to the field.

CHALLENGE E

Project idea owner University of Trento Challenge E. Reducing food losses and waste at every stage of the food chain including consumption, while also avoiding unsustainable packaging (IA) Description of the project idea

Genetic improvement towards Food Security

According to the last forecast of FAO, world population will greatly increase by 2050, forcing an increase in food supply estimated around 70%. This increase of food production has to face however important challenges and limitations, such as a limited availability of arable land and natural resources as well. The increase of food, beside simple feeding people, should also promote the healthy conditions, ensuring a global Food Security. To promote Food Security, two are the aspects needing a particular attention. The first is the reduction of food loss. To date, a high proportion (about 45%) of food/ are wasted and loss for several reasons, including poor quality and not adequate technologies. The second aspect is about the role of fruit in the promotion of the human health through a general prevention of chronicle disease. To this end, the WHO is recommending the introduction of about 400 g of fresh in the daily diet. These objectives can be addressed following different strategies, but one challenge needing a particular attention could be represented by the genetic improvement of the species we want to grow. The contribution of novel varieties

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more adapted and performing to new environmental conditions and social changes represented an important milestone in the first Green Revolution during the ’60. Nowadays, a new Green Revolution 2.0 is probably necessary, focusing on the selection of novel varieties oriented to face new challenges and characterized by higher nutritional/nutraceutical properties and better shelf-life.

Type of partners sought

These new goals can be achieved through the collaboration of different partners and institutions involved in different scientific fields, such as universities, research institutes interested in breeding, genetics, metabolomics and growing companies.

Project idea owner Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences Challenge E. Reducing food losses and waste at every stage of the food chain including consumption, while also avoiding unsustainable packaging (IA) Description of the project idea

Objective

1. Valorization of collagen-rich by-products (mainly bones and cartilages) to reduce the amount of animal slaughterhouse wastes by antibacterial and antiviral peptides production and their applications in food. 2. Valorization of plant processing by-products (pomace from grapes, buckwheat, sage, marjoram, dill, thyme) to reduce the amount of wastes by antibacterial and antiviral substances (polyphenols, terpenes) production and their applications in food. 3. Application of the obtained bioactive preparations (combine animal and plant origin) to the fresh meat (prepacked and undergoes the minimal processing i.e. physical treatment such as cold plasma, pulsed light with microwaves) to increase the product’s safety and prolong shelf-life.

Animal bones and cartilages are, within the animal slaughter by-products, the most abundant, burdensome and with long period of decomposition materials. Up-to-date knowledge no complex and complete technologies to utilize these by-products exist. The proposed solution is to use an enzymatic hydrolysis together with extraction process to produce hydrolyzed meat/bones broth with high content of bioactive peptides, including antibacterial and antiviral activities. The preparations, crude and/or purified, can be further used in food, also together with bioactives derived from plant processing by-products. Due to the high variety of plant by-products (biological, seasonal and processing conditions diversity of plant materials), they express wide spectrum of biological activities (antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.). The main challenge for the food industry nowadays is to provide fresh and minimally processed products with high safety standard, which can be achieved by application of natural bioactive preservatives and/or physical treatment. In this case, the most appropriate technology seems to be combined action of cold plasma, pulsed light and microwaves. As a model product fresh prepacked/culinary meat (including modified atmosphere packaging) can be indicated. This product will potentially meet modern consumer’s demands.

Type of partners sought

• Leading institution

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• University, Research Centres, food industry (including SME’s) operating in the similar area of interests, dealing with animal and plant by-products processing, valorization and applications not limited to meat and products.

CHALLENGE F

Project idea owner Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) Challenge F. Shifting to sustainable healthy diets, sourced from land, inland water and sea, and accessible to all EU citizens, including the most deprived and vulnerable groups (IA) Description of the project idea The importance of dietary change as a key component of the transition of the food system towards sustainability is now widely recognized, although behavioural changes are slow and difficult. Consumers are becoming more and more aware and interested in what they eat and how their diet affects their health and the environment, but the gap between good intentions and actual behaviour remains wide. It is clear that issuing recommendation will not have a large effect on its own. Instead, achieving sustainable healthy diets requires changes at all levels in the food system, and therefore needs to be addressed through a systems approach. The transition will need changes in the farming practices, marine sources as well as technological advancements and science-based innovations to increase the use of plant-based or aquatic foods to promote the shift to meet dietary recommendations. The proposed project will build country-specific roadmaps to improve the use of neglected and underutilized proteins sources from land and sea, and start implementing the roadmaps by developing value chain and behavioural actions in close collaboration with stakeholders of the food chain. The project will thus diversify food materials taking into account on cultural heritage and traditional sources, like herring, buckwheat and legumes.

The sustainable dietary recommendations and the adaptation of food supply need to be complemented to facilitate consumer acceptance. The necessary behavioural changes are demanding because biological (e.g., taste), social (norms, culture), economic (prices, income), psychological, and environmental factors complicate the change. Increasing the competence of consumers regarding healthy and sustainable diets will enable an increased demand for diets meeting the criteria. Such demand will create a market pull enabling value chain players to respond and to set up tailored production channels. There is a particular need to support policies that change incentives and provide training / information, practical solutions to facilitate choice (e.g. digital tools) and targeted changes in the shopping environment (eg Nudges) should be harnessed to bring about behavioural change. This involves local actors, such as NGOs, to develop ways to promote citizen activism and participation, and digital applications that connect consumers to local markets and provide support for healthy and sustainable diet planning. Type of partners sought Digital monitoring techniques (eg- disease/pest detection sensors) in plant production Aquaculture expertise Food development - SME

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Project idea owner ProVeg International Challenge F. Shifting to sustainable healthy diets, sourced from land, inland water and sea, and accessible to all EU citizens, including the most deprived and vulnerable groups (IA) Description of the project idea In recognition of the importance of early interventions for the development of life-long healthy eating habits, ProVeg has been working with schools, local council authorities, and catering companies to improve school menus and encourage pupils to eat healthy, climate friendly, meals across Germany and the UK. The aim of the ProVeg School Programme is to decrease the intake of animal products such as meat and dairy, while increasing consumption of plant-based meal options. In December 2018, the German projects “Plant Powered Pupils” and “Climate-Efficient School Kitchens” won a Momentum for Change UN Award, and these projects were also featured in the latest Planetary Health Case Studies anthology of the Harvard-based Planetary Health Alliance (PHA).

Building on the ProVeg School Programme success and expertise, we propose this as an action under area 6 (Farm to Fork) of the European Green Deal call. The School Programme has been demonstrated at local level, but a ‘market replication’ is required, as the intervention has not yet been applied/deployed in the [wider EU] market due to market failures/barriers to uptake. We believe that EU legislation to mandate plant-based options in schools—in line with the climate ambitions of the Farm to Fork Strategy—, training school food service providers and supporting local authorities, schools and other decision-makers to offer more plant- based options will help to achieve the objective 6.F: “Shifting to sustainable healthy diets, sourced from land, inland water and sea, and accessible to all EU citizens, including the most deprived and vulnerable groups.” Type of partners sought • Organisations involved in food service education, training and advocacy • Organisations involved in children’s protection and poverty alleviation • Organisations involved in tackling food waste and food security • Universities and research institutes studying human behaviour change; measuring (food-related) CO2 emissions • Local councils/authorities, Ministries of Education and Environment and other procurement partners • Plant-based food advocacy organisations • Crop growers associations, plant-based food industry producers • Possibly corporate partners (depending on permissibility of European and national legislation)

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