The main goal of the FoodCoP project is to help rural communities across Europe make their food systems more sustainable and innovative. By bringing together different regions, FoodCoP supports collaboration and knowledge sharing to find practical solutions that reduce waste, make better use of resources, and boost local economies.
The project focuses on supporting Startup Villages, which are rural areas working to create new opportunities through circular bioeconomy practices—ways of producing food that are good for both people and the environment. Ultimately, FoodCoP aims to make rural food systems stronger, greener, and more connected across Europe.
FoodCoP specifically aims to
- Build a Network of Startup Villages: FoodCoP aims to connect rural communities across Europe, allowing them to share ideas and collaborate on improving their food systems.
- Support Rural Communities in Adopting Sustainable Practices: The project helps villages transition to eco-friendly food production methods that benefit both people and the environment.
- Encourage Collaboration Between Different Regions: FoodCoP makes it easier for rural areas to exchange knowledge and adopt solutions that work best for them.
- Provide Tools and Resources Through a Digital Platform: A central online hub will offer rural communities easy access to information, training, and support.
- Engage Stakeholders Through Training and Events: The project organises workshops and activities to bring people together and co-create solutions for local challenges.
- Promote Business Opportunities in the Circular Bioeconomy: FoodCoP supports rural entrepreneurs in developing businesses that reduce waste and use resources more efficiently.
- Work with Other EU Bioeconomy Projects: By collaborating with similar initiatives, FoodCoP ensures that rural communities benefit from shared knowledge and experiences.
- Improve Access to Funding for Rural Startups: The project helps businesses in rural areas find funding opportunities to grow and succeed.
- Boost the Quality of Life in Rural Areas: FoodCoP creates opportunities for people, especially women and young people, to thrive and build a better future in their communities.
Impact
In the mid-term perspective (3-5 years after the end of the project), B-TRUST is expected to:
- Strengthening Europe’s leadership in sustainability: FoodCoP will help Europe become a leader in using smart, sustainable ways to produce food and manage resources, making it less dependent on outside technologies.
- Boosting rural economies and job opportunities: The project will support rural communities by creating new jobs, helping people learn new skills, and making them more self-sufficient, leading to a better quality of life.
- Encouraging eco-friendly habits in rural areas: FoodCoP will inspire people in rural communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and become better prepared to deal with climate change challenges.
- Helping Europe meet its climate goals: By promoting greener ways to grow and produce food, FoodCoP will contribute to Europe’s efforts to fight climate change and achieve its environmental targets for 2030 and 2050.
