Project of the Month: Improving agro-biodiversity throughout the food chain

Biodiversity plays a major role in food security and nutrition. However, production systems are becoming less diverse worldwide. As a result, global food security is at risk, and agriculture is less resilient to climate change, pests and diseases.

One way to address these issues is to introduce underutilised, genetically diverse crops such as cereals, legumes, and leafy and fruity vegetables in the European agri-food value chain. With this in mind, the EU-funded BIOVALUE project is developing a customisable simulation tool that analyses the effect of various consequences, such as increased biodiversity, climate change scenarios and water availability, at the farm, regional and EU levels.In September 2022, BIOVALUE met with key stakeholders from the RADIANT, CROPDIVA and DIVINFOOD projects to share valuable information and knowledge. They also explored potential common activities and complementarities. “We are excited to officially launch our cluster and for the upcoming period where we will intensify our contacts and support each other on the different tasks foreseen,” states Prof. Konstadinos Mattas from project coordinator Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

In October, BIOVALUE participated in the 9th Agrotica Conference – the largest agricultural fair in the Balkans. As the main keynote speaker, Prof. Mattas delivered a speech on biodiversity to 350 attendees, mostly farmers, experts, CEOs of agricultural enterprises and policymakers. He presented the value the project can create concerning agri-food value chain analysis and biodiversity in agriculture.

BIOVALUE partners have also designed the first recipes for the crops under focus. The main dishes include buckwheat, lentils, eggplant, dandelion and tomato.

Ending in September 2025, the BIOVALUE (Fork-to-farm agent-based simulation tool augmenting BIOdiversity in the agri-food VALUE chain) project is developing nutritionally correct, well-balanced and attractive novel dishes in line with a healthy diet. Ultimately, the aim is for consumers to accept these dishes and integrate them into their dietary routines.

If you are interested in having your project featured as a ‘Project of the Month’ in an upcoming issue, please send us an email to editorial@cordis.europa.eu and tell us why!