Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ECO-READY (Achieving Ecological Resilient Dynamism for the European food system through consumer-driven policies, socio-ecological challenges, biodiversity, data-driven policy, sustainable futures)
Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-11-30
ECO-READY works to strengthen the resilience of Europe’s food system in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss. It focuses on how environmental changes affect food production, availability, and security, both locally and across Europe. The project is developing an interactive online platform powered by state of the art Artificial Intelligence technologies that brings together up-to-date data on climate and biodiversity trends and their impact on food systems. This tool will help policymakers, farmers, businesses, and communities better understand risks and make informed decisions. At the same time, ECO-READY brings together local communities, researchers, and stakeholders across Europe to test practical solutions in real-world settings. These collaborative efforts explore how food systems can adapt to changing environmental conditions while remaining sustainable and secure. By combining scientific knowledge with local experience, ECO-READY supports more responsive and inclusive policies that reflect the needs of people and ecosystems alike.
During the first phase of the project (the first 18 months), ECO-READY focused on understanding what drives food security challenges across Europe. This included examining how climate change and biodiversity loss affect food production and supply, identifying gaps in available data and knowledge, and reviewing existing policies. The project also worked closely with communities and stakeholders across Europe to explore possible future scenarios for food systems under changing environmental conditions. Through workshops, surveys, and collaborative activities, farmers, consumers, businesses, and policymakers shared their experiences and priorities, helping ensure that the project reflects real needs. A network of ten local pilot initiatives (Living Labs) was established across different European regions, each representing diverse climates and food systems. These initiatives began testing practical approaches to improve resilience, while also contributing local knowledge and data to the project. Early versions of the project’s digital platform were also explored, helping to define what users need from a tool that supports better decision-making. In the second phase of the project (months 19 to 36), this groundwork was put into action. The ten regional Living Labs moved from planning to implementation, carrying out activities on the ground, collecting data, and developing solutions tailored to their specific contexts. These efforts are already producing tangible results, including new approaches to managing risks linked to climate and biodiversity. At the same time, the project has made strong progress in building its online platform, designed to combine real-time and historical data to better track and anticipate food system risks. This tool will support a wide range of users, from policymakers to farmers, in making more informed decisions. Collaboration with policymakers has also intensified, with dedicated workshops helping to shape practical policy recommendations and align project activities with European priorities. In parallel, the project has begun testing strategies to prepare for potential disruptions to food systems, while ensuring that data and digital tools are developed in a transparent and responsible way.
During the first phase of the project, activities focused on building knowledge, partnerships, and tools, laying the foundation for future results. In the second phase, ECO-READY begins to deliver significant advances through its integrated digital platform. This platform brings together diverse types of information—such as climate trends, biodiversity data, and food system indicators—into a single, user-friendly space. By combining advanced data analysis with real-time monitoring, it helps move from reactive responses to more forward-looking and preventive action. One of its key innovations is the ability to connect previously separate data sources and translate them into practical insights. This allows users to better anticipate risks, such as disruptions to food production or supply, and to explore possible responses. The platform is designed for a wide range of users, including farmers, policymakers, businesses, and citizens, and offers tools such as early warnings, planning support, and tailored information for decision-making over different time horizons. At the same time, the network of regional pilot initiatives (Living Labs) plays a central role in developing and testing solutions. By working closely with local stakeholders, these initiatives co-create and assess strategies to adapt food systems to climate change and biodiversity loss. Their experiences feed directly into the platform, ensuring that it reflects real conditions and practical needs across Europe. Looking ahead, several priorities have been identified to ensure long-term impact. These include further testing solutions over multiple seasons, improving data-driven tools, and scaling up successful approaches. Continued investment—both public and private—will be important, alongside clear rules and standards to support data sharing and innovation. Equally important is building the skills and trust needed to use these tools effectively. Ongoing training, transparent communication, and strong engagement with farmers and advisors will be key to ensuring that new solutions are widely adopted. Sustaining the platform and the regional networks beyond the project will also be essential to support lasting change in Europe’s food systems.