The ten specific objectives were organised in three operational areas (OAs).
OA1 – Promotion and agronomic evaluation of underutilised crops:
Multi-location field trials and phenotyping revealed that diversified systems with underutilised crops improve nitrogen efficiency, weed suppression and pollinator activity while maintaining yields. GWAS and sequencing data identified marker–trait associations for resilience, yield and quality traits. Harmonised phenotypic and environmental datasets were deposited in the Plant Genomics and Phenomics Research Data Repository (MS9), establishing a benchmark for future agrobiodiversity research.
OA2 – Creation of new value chains:
Consumer surveys across six countries (n > 4,800) identified interest in sustainable, locally sourced plant-based products, particularly from oats, buckwheat, lupin and faba bean. Partners developed novel food, feed and non-food products, including high-protein plant drinks, hybrid meat products, gluten-free bakery mixes, triticale silages, biostimulants and fibre-based packaging. Multi-actor co-created regional business models, following a Living Lab approach, connecting farmers and processors and enabling market uptake.
OA3 – Socio-economic impact and ecosystem services:
Integrated assessments demonstrated that diversified systems improve input efficiency, soil quality and ecosystem services while increasing farm income stability. The open-source DSS integrates project data and AI tools, facilitating access for stakeholders and supporting future diversification policies.
Exploitation and dissemination:
CROPDIVA disseminated results through publications, workshops, international symposia and multi-actor events. All data are FAIR-compliant and openly accessible. Key exploitable results include the DSS, harmonised datasets, breeding tools and innovative products ensuring sustained impact beyond the project.
