European agri-food value chains are facing a series of challenges, from rising prices to climate change. The EU-funded CO-FRESH project developed new techniques, tools and insights to drive the fruit and vegetable industry towards greater sustainability. The results will ensure the food industry is better prepared for the future, benefiting producers and consumers.
Agriculture accounts for 25 % of the world’s total carbon emissions. To help the sector reduce its carbon footprint, the EU-funded AgriCapture project is turning to a process that removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in soil. Not only can this reduce net greenhouse gas emissions, it also improves soil quality.
Honeybees are critical to agriculture, yet are increasingly under threat. The EU-funded HIVEOPOLIS project developed a range of digital hive technologies to monitor and manage honeybees. The technologies could help support precision agriculture, and even boost the survival of wild pollinators
The RURALIZATION project brings about a refreshing take on arresting the decline of rural areas. Based on targeted interviews with young people across Europe, it offers insights and key solutions for policymakers. The work can help Member States attract a new generation of countryside-dwellers.
Bee populations face a number of threats, including pesticide use. With a third of global crop production dependent on pollinators, it is a troubling situation. The EU-funded PoshBee project provides evidence, tools and policy proposals to enhance bee health. The work supports more sustainable beekeeping and the continued competitiveness of European agriculture.
Climate change, drought and population growth have made the management of India’s water resources a pressing concern. To address this, and in partnership with local stakeholders, the EU-funded PAVITRA GANGA project has successfully piloted and monitored new wastewater treatment technologies. Once fully implemented, these could bring significant health and environmental benefits to citizens.
The bio-based economy will bring new sustainable job opportunities for citizens across Europe. However, some regions have little experience or knowledge of how to transition away from fossil fuels. The EU-funded POWER4BIO project is helping to share best practices and provide guidance, to ensure no region in Europe is left behind.
The huge amount of environmental information available to decision makers can be overwhelming. The EU-funded LANDSUPPORT project developed an easy-to-use web platform that combines satellite, drone and remote sensing data with cutting-edge models. Using this, farmers, policymakers and even citizens can easily find relevant information and make informed environmental choices.
By 2050, the world population may reach 10 billion people. Unfortunately, there’s not enough agricultural land available to sustainably produce the food needed to feed this many people. To help, the EU-funded FutureAgriculture project has designed a new type of crop capable of producing the amounts required to feed a rapidly growing population and to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Farmers need access to suitable organic seed but there is a lack of high-quality organic seeds in Europe. The EU-funded LIVESEED project addressed this by developing a new organic seed quality strategy, a Europe-wide seed database and sustainable breeding techniques that target specific farming conditions. By strengthening the EU’s organic agriculture, these results will benefit all citizens.
