We need to reach carbon neutrality in the food production system. Carbon neutrality means having a balance between the emission and capture of atmospheric carbon.
Growing the future of food with science, farmers, and practical innovation.
Food4Sustainability CoLAB is a non-for-profit association dedicated to innovation in sustainable food production.
We work to support the transition to carbon-neutral food systems by connecting science, technology, education and producers in practical innovation programs.
Food4Sustainability
Food4Sustainability CoLAB is a non-for-profit association dedicated to innovation in sustainable food production.
Its concept and circular production systems approach was developed through a collaborative process with relevant national and international stakeholders and experts as part of Building Global Innovators (BGI) collaboration with the Idanha-a-Nova (Portugal) municipality and involved various partners from the EIT Digital, Climate KIC and EIT Food networks.
What is a CoLAB?
In order to stimulate the creation of skilled jobs generating economic and social value in Portugal, the Government promotes research and innovation "laboratories" that bring together companies, universities and scientific centres, called Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB).
The CoLABs aim to meet the challenge of densification of the national territory in terms of knowledge-based activities, through increasing consolidation of forms of collaboration between science, technology and higher education institutions, and the economic and social fabric.
Why
It all begins with a WHY
““We are fixing our food production value chain for a sustainable planet.””
Farmers and producers have a key role in this path to carbon neutrality in food production, and they need help - support, knowledge and technology - to transition to organic and sustainable farming.
Our dietary habits and food choices can also make a difference. For this reason, it is urgent to disseminate sustainable food and consumption practices so that, together, we can achieve carbon neutrality.
Our DNA
Built on mission, guided by vision, powered by expertise.
Our DNA is formed by our MISSION — our purpose, the reason we exist — to our VISION — how we intend to work while pursuing our mission, the image of the future we want to create — the GOALS and STRATEGY we have set out, and it relies on valuable EXPERTISE.
It expresses how every cell in Food4Sustainability is an important piece to help reach carbon neutrality and to guarantee the future of food supply.
MISSION
Caring for the Earth, starting with what we eat. We want to transform the way we produce food — respecting nature, protecting the soil, water, and life. Our mission is to bring together science, tradition, and innovation so that everyone can grow food in a healthy, regenerative, and sustainable way.
VISION
We believe in a future where producing food doesn’t destroy, but regenerates. Where fields are fertile, food is safe, and synthetic chemicals are no longer the norm. Every day, we work to make this future possible — accessible to those who grow, visible to those who consume, and essential for the planet.
GOALS & STRATEGY
We turn ideas into action. Our goals define what we want to change; our strategy defines how we get there. Through pilot projects, experimentation, training and collaboration, we test real solutions that improve food systems and create value for communities, producers and the environment.
EXPERTISE
Change only happens with knowledge. Food4Sustainability brings together science, agriculture, business, technology and field experience. This mix of expertise gives us the capacity to support innovation from concept to implementation.
Goals
Our Goals
Test and implement novel approaches to food production systems that can massively impact several value chains in terms of:
CO2 Mitigation
Null use of chemicals
Sustainable intensification — optimisation of land use —
Water preservation & environment impact
Efficiency in the whole value chain in the food industry
Method
How?
Step 01
Develop and test emerging approaches and technologies for sustainable intensification of food production.
Step 02
Build capacity of farmers to adopt state-of-the-art solutions towards sustainable agriculture techniques.
Step 03
Provide education and experimentation for other communities of interest and disseminate techniques on how to achieve higher yields in selected crops through specialised teams.
Strategy
Five pillars, one food transition
The 5 pillars of our strategy will be supported by practical and applicable activities, capable of creating value for the entire food chain.
Circular Economy
Sustainable Agriculture
Natural Capital
Food, nutrition and wellbeing
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Expertise
People and partnerships make the work real.
They say “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. Food4Sustainability has a wide team of partners, team members and support to be able to help the environment reap its benefits.
Partners
F4S has 15 founding members, including 4 research and higher education institutions, 2 industrial companies, 5 tech-based SME, 3 producer-focused organizations and is led by BGI, an international start-up/scaleup accelerator.
Team
F4S has a multidisciplinary and talented team dedicated to supporting the agricultural sector by executing and building value from research, development and deployment of innovation initiatives based on smart and sustainable applications.
Support
From FCT who recognized F4S as a CoLAB, to our co-funders and network - our support is an essential part of our path.
Timeline
Ecosystem
Partners
Extended Network
Network
