Vertical Integration of Underutilized Crops
Deliverable 7.4 of the BIOVALUE project provides a comprehensive assessment of seven underutilized crops (lentils, lathyrus, buckwheat, sonchus, tomato, eggplant, Armenian cucumber) across pilot countries (Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Estonia, Italy, Norway, Spain, Turkey). Using a vertical integration approach, the study evaluates their agronomic performance, nutritional benefits, and market potential. Key findings include that lentils and lathyrus enhance soil fertility with low-input needs but face challenges such as weed control. Buckwheat thrives in marginal soils, appealing to gluten-free markets. Eggplant and Armenian cucumber offer nutritional richness but require resource-intensive cultivation. Sonchus supports biodiversity in leafy vegetable chains. Trade data highlights Southern Europe (Italy, Spain, Turkey) as major producers/exporters, with Northern/Central Europe (Germany, Netherlands) as key importers/processors.
Practical Recommendations:
Farmers should adopt mixed cropping and sustainable practices (e.g., water-saving irrigation) to enhance yields and reduce environmental impact. Processors can innovate with products like eggplant flour or fermented Armenian cucumber snacks to target health-conscious markets. Retailers should promote biodiversity-friendly labeling (e.g., "Organic+" or "Inclusive Farming") to increase consumer awareness. Policymakers can support this through CAP incentives, public procurement inclusion, and streamlined regulations for novel foods, supporting resilient, biodiverse food systems.
BioValue: Fork-to-farm agent-based simulation tool augmenting BIOdiversity in the agri-food VALUE chain
Completed | 2021-2025
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Greece, Germany, Cyprus, Estonia, Italy, Serbia, Turkey, Norway