Developing Cost-effective and Sustainable Technologies for Mediterranean Food Systems to Decrease Food Loss and Waste

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) is launching a call for proposals focused on developing cost-effective and sustainable technologies adapted to Mediterranean food systems.

The objective is to decrease food loss and waste (FLW), a critical challenge amplified by demographic growth, climate change, and global disruptions. This call aligns with the Innovation Action (IA) category.

Challenge:

With FLW reaching up to 250kg per capita annually in the Near East and North Africa, amounting to over USD 60 billion in losses, there’s an urgent need for innovative solutions. Enhancements in cold storage, refrigeration, and the adoption of renewable energy-based solutions are crucial for extending shelf life and maintaining product quality, particularly in the “first mile” from harvesting to processing.

Scope:

The call supports the deployment and demonstration of sustainable solutions to reduce FLW, save energy, and enhance food safety during postharvest activities. Proposals should focus on plant-based food and waste, emphasizing scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions tailored to smallholders with limited access to electricity. The adoption of green technologies for food preservation, innovative packaging solutions, and renewable energy sources for processing and storage is encouraged.

Objectives:

• Implement sustainable practices and technologies adapted to Mediterranean climates to decrease FLW.
• Utilize renewable energy sources and biomass by-products from agri-food activities for processing and storage.
• Develop innovative packaging and preservation techniques to reduce environmental impact and enhance food safety.
• Conduct research and development to identify cost-effective solutions for the Mediterranean region.
• Enhance the capacity of smallholders, particularly women, to adopt sustainable solutions.

Expected Impacts:

• Significant reduction in FLW across the entire food value chain, contributing to environmental and climate sustainability.
• Creation of value-added products from waste and by-products, promoting resource efficiency.
• Improved efficiency and cost reduction in food processing, packaging, and distribution post-harvest.
• Enhanced food quality at the nutraceutical and sensorial levels.
• Strengthened interaction among stakeholders in the food supply chain to facilitate better management and potential price reductions.

About PRIMA:

PRIMA is a long-term partnership aimed at fostering joint research and innovation in the Mediterranean region to address challenges such as water scarcity, sustainable agriculture, and food security. Through collaborative efforts, PRIMA supports the transition towards more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier Mediterranean societies, contributing to the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Participation and Collaboration:

Proposals should adopt a multi-actor approach, engaging farmers, researchers, policymakers, and communities to ensure relevance and viability. Collaboration with ongoing projects within PRIMA, H2020, Horizon Europe, and Food 2030 R&I policy pathways is encouraged.

Submission Guidelines:

Proposals addressing the call’s objectives and scope should be submitted in accordance with PRIMA’s guidelines by the specified deadlines. Projects are expected to produce tangible outcomes, including a joint policy brief, fostering policy development and stakeholder engagement across the Mediterranean region.

This call represents a strategic effort to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region: reducing food loss and waste through innovative, sustainable technologies. By focusing on improving efficiency and sustainability in the agri-food value chain, PRIMA aims to enhance food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in the face of global challenges.