The European Union has taken a step toward transforming its agri-food systems with the launch of FOODTURE, a EU-funded research and innovation project. Coordinated by the BETA Technological Centre at the University of Vic (UVic-UCC), the initiative brings together 20 expert partners from Spain, France, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Serbia, Italy, Switzerland, and Peru.
FOODTURE comes at a crucial moment. With 447 million EU citizens consuming 1.6 billion tonnes of food and beverages annually, the environmental footprint of food production is immense. Agriculture alone is responsible for 11% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, adding pressure to act swiftly for a more sustainable, circular, and resilient food system.
A holistic approach to food system transformation
At the heart of FOODTURE lies a grand ambition. It aims to create Europe’s most comprehensive Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database for food. This combines with enhanced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. These tools will address overlooked dimensions in current impact assessments. These include biodiversity loss and public health outcomes. They aim to guide smarter, system-wide change.
The project integrates environmental, social, and economic indicators to develop practical tools, policy recommendations, and training resources for professionals and policymakers across the food chain. FOODTURE ensures that insights move beyond research papers and into the real world.
Innovation meets Agriculture 4.0
A cornerstone of the project is its use of Agriculture 4.0 technologies, combining satellite imagery (Copernicus) and drone-based data collection. This cutting-edge approach will provide a pan-European picture of food system impacts, ensuring data-driven decision-making from farm to fork.
FOODTURE sets new standards for data transparency and environmental performance. It empowers stakeholders to reduce emissions. They can also optimize supply chains. The goal is to foster a healthier, more resource-efficient food system. This is crucial for Europe’s future.
