Driving Sustainable Growth in Rural Areas
Rural areas play a vital role in Europe’s transition to a greener and more sustainable future. However, they face ongoing challenges such as:
- Limited access to innovation and technology
- Shrinking populations and ageing workforces
- Underutilised natural and economic resources
Despite these challenges, rural areas hold immense potential to drive sustainable economic growth through the bioeconomy—a sector that includes agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and bio-based industries. The bioeconomy already contributes €2.2 trillion to the European economy and supports 17.5 million jobs, with projections indicating growth to €3 trillion by 2050.
What is FoodCop?
FoodCoP is a European initiative that helps rural communities unlock their potential by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. The project connects a network of Startup Villages across Europe, offering shared resources and learning opportunities to support the transition to circular bioeconomy practices. By focusing on resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainability, FoodCoP aims to:
- Provide rural communities with the tools and knowledge they need to innovate
- Strengthen economic resilience and create sustainable jobs
- Bridge the gap between rural and urban areas through knowledge-sharing
Our Approach
Through workshops, mentoring, and place-based action, FoodCoP empowers local communities to embrace sustainable food systems that are efficient, inclusive, and resilient.
Together, we are shaping a greener future for Europe’s rural regions.
A Startup Village is a rural community, or a group of small communities, that embraces new ideas and entrepreneurship to create opportunities and improve local life. By bringing together local strengths with outside knowledge, resources, and markets, these villages provide the right environment for businesses and innovation to grow.
Startup Villages
Municipality do Fundão (Portugal)
Project Coordinator
RDI Hub, Killorglin (Ireland)
PI Kočevje (Slovenia)
Meraki People (Greece)
Câmara de Lobos (Portugal)
Bragança (Portugal)
Penela (Portugal)
