A range of activities will support the deployment and scaling up of innovations that contribute to the objectives of the Farm-to-Fork Strategy (6) Proposals will test, pilot and demonstrate innovative systemic solutions (TRL 5-7) in one of out of six urgent and pressing food systems’ challenges being the one relevant for ALICE the following:
E. Reducing food losses and waste at every stage of the food chain including consumption, while also avoiding unsustainable packaging (IA)
The Commission considers that proposals should go well beyond technological solutions. They should focus on systemic innovations that maximise synergies and minimise trade-offs to deliver on the three dimensions of sustainability (social/health, climate/environmental and economic), that consider co-benefits such as with biodiversity and animal welfare, that enhance resilience of food systems to shock and stresses, and that enable them to operate within a safe and just operating space and ensure sufficient, safe, nutritious, and affordable food for all. Proposals should pay particular attention to:
Applying system thinking/system approaches to define the challenge, including an in-depth systemic analysis of its drivers and root causes; to identify possible innovative systemic solutions from production (7) to consumption; to assess their expected and actual impact including risks, synergies, and trade-offs with regards to the three pillars of sustainability (social/health, climate/environmental and economic), food and nutrition security, food system resilience, food safety and the objectives outlined in the Farm to Fork Strategy and the Green Deal.
Adopting a multi-actor and cross-sectoral approach engaging practitioners (primary producers, processors, retailers, food service providers, consumers), public and private institutions (governmental institutions, NGOs, industry) and citizens from farm to fork to co-create, test and demonstrate solutions from production to consumption, in practice, on a European scale but with attention for regional and sectoral needs and contexts (environmental, socioeconomic, cultural). Foster collaboration, building bridges and breaking silos between actors of the food chain and between primary sectors as well as collective action. Take specific care to engage young professionals (e.g., young farmers, young fishers, young researchers, young entrepreneurs, etc.), SMEs, consumers and citizens.
Including the most appropriate mix of innovations, such as novel and digital technologies, new business and supply chain models, new governance models, ecological and social innovations while taking into account regional and sectoral contexts (environmental, socioeconomic, cultural) and needs, both for production and consumption. The projects shall focus on upscaling innovations (TRL level 5-7, and can include limited research activities to address specific gaps for solution building, testing and demonstration. Particular attention should be given to understand behaviours, motivations and barriers, with a view to maximizing the uptake of solutions. The innovations delivered by the proposals have to take into account the EU market regulatory frameworks (e.g. safety, environmental) and relevant requirements.
Where appropriate, capitalise on existing testing and demonstration facilities to strengthen their capacity to address the challenge and showcase solutions.
Delivering and implementing an action plan for dissemination, communication and engagement, for building awareness, education and skills relevant to the solutions on a European scale, in and beyond the regions where the activities take place, among businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, institutions, stakeholders and citizens. Promote their widespread uptake, realize behavioural change, and stimulate investment. Proposals should foresee a dedicated work package for cooperating with European Commission services and with all selected projects under this topic on the implementation of this action plan, with a view to increasing the impact of that plan. Projects may link with other relevant European and national programmes, where appropriate.
