On January 30–31, 2025, the members of the European research community gathered in Vic, Barcelona, for the official kick-off of FOODTURE, an ambitious Horizon Europe project set to reshape the future of food systems. The meeting, hosted by the BETA Technological Centre at UVic-UCC, marked the beginning of a four-year journey to redefine how we assess and reduce the environmental footprint of the agri-food sector.
With 20 partners spanning 9 countries, FOODTURE brings together a diverse network of researchers, innovators, and food system experts. Agriculture accounts for over 11% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. There is increasing pressure on land, water, and biodiversity. The FOODTURE project was created to provide science-based solutions. The initiative focuses on developing improved Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. It delivers Europe’s largest database of food-related Life Cycle Inventories (LCIs). FOODTURE equips stakeholders with open-access tools and policy recommendations. It also provides real-time data.
But FOODTURE goes beyond traditional sustainability work. The project integrates economic, environmental, health, and social dimensions to provide a full-spectrum view of food system impacts. It uses satellite data, drone technology, and precision agriculture. These tools create detailed assessments. They help farmers, companies, and policymakers. Finally, the goal is to reduce negative impacts while enhancing productivity and resilience.
Through this innovative and collaborative approach, FOODTURE aims to support the transition to sustainable food systems in Europe, enabling smarter decisions from farm to fork.
