About the project
The SISTERS project aims to reduce food loss and waste through targeted innovation at each stage of the Food Value Chain in Europe. These include new tools for primary producers for promoting direct and short chain sales (farmers); new technological innovations in packaging for processors and retailers; and awareness campaigns for retailers and consumers on food loss and waste.
Description of success
From October 2022 to March 2023, SISTERS developed the first version of the Short Chain Platform called Regioneo.com. This first version includes core functionalities with plans to further develop new features in the coming months, taking into account feedback from fruit and vegetables (F&V) producers to test it.
The Regioneo short chain app was presented to local farmers and producer organisations to recruit the first app testers, with two producers subsequently planning to test the app. The new website has also been launched.
The SISTERS project ambition is for Regioneo to offer a low-tech, low-price, ready-to-use solution to help F&V producers develop their short-chain sales and minimise F&V losses, without technical requirements and a minimum time being required.
Highlights
To provide a portal for primary producers to directly sell their fresh produce that does not meet the standards (size, shape, calibre) for the commercial sales.
Outputs
Feasibility study for Short Chain Platform preparation undertaken
Plan for Primary producers created
First version of the Short Chain Platform released
Impact
The first version of the app and portal will be fundamental for gathering feedback to further develop the app. The Fruits and Vegetable Open-Source Database will be enlarged, and aims to:
reduce the common food losses in agriculture due to market requisites;
enable the farmer to monetise their efforts in their production, promoting circular bioeconomy; and
ensure savings for consumers that will be able to buy local fresh fruits and vegetables with the same quality at lower prices.
Lessons
The amount of time needed to convince producers to test the platform has been an issue that was difficult to predict when writing the proposal. Teamwork has been necessary to achieve the project objectives.
Other information
Visit the Regioneo website:
