FoodCoP: Strengthening Regional Collaboration

On November 28th and 29th, the FoodCoP project officially launched in Fundão, Portugal, marking the beginning of an exciting new initiative to transform rural food systems across Europe.

The European Union has recognised the growing need for sustainable growth in rural areas, where bioeconomy solutions hold significant potential to drive both long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability. The bioeconomy sector already contributes €2.2 trillion to the European economy and supports 17.5 million jobs. Projections show this could rise to €3 trillion by 2050, with the agri-food industry being a key driver of Europe’s green future.

Aligned with these objectives, FoodCoP is building a community of Startup Villages across Europe—regions dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship to stimulate local economies furthering the concept developed by JRC and Countryside and Community Research Institute at University of Gloucestershire and enlarging its network. By developing shared resources and creating learning opportunities, the project will help these villages adopt circular bioeconomy practices that prioritise resource efficiency and waste reduction. This collaborative approach will strengthen the resilience of rural food systems, creating a model of sustainability that can be replicated across Europe.

Through community engagement, knowledge sharing, and placed-based action, FoodCoP aims to make rural food systems more sustainable and self-sufficient. Focused on optimising resources, reducing food-related emissions and waste, and enhancing the economic resilience of rural communities, the project is committed to inspiring lasting improvements in food systems. By facilitating the exchange of best practices, FoodCoP aims to drive systemic change, ultimately leading to a more efficient and equitable food landscape and break the innovation divide between cities and rural communities.

Coordinated by the Municipality of Fundão, FoodCoP brings together 14 partners from 9 countries, including SMEs, Knowledge and Innovation Communities, clusters, startup villages, universities, regional innovation networks, and research organisations. This diverse representation ensures broad outreach and active stakeholder involvement across Europe, essential to achieving the project’s objectives. Supported by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, FoodCoP will run over the next 24 months, striving to make a lasting impact on rural food systems.