A new solution for food innovation has arrived in rural Europe

Rural areas across Europe are rich in creativity, ideas, and passion, but often face challenges when it comes to accessing resources, building networks, and scaling successful solutions.  Now, there’s a space designed to empower communities across rural Europe to create more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative food systems. Say hello to the FoodCoP platform!

Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, FoodCoP is a “Community of Practice” (CoP) that supports local and regional actors in adopting circular bioeconomy strategies. This includes everything from food production and distribution to consumption and waste management.

The programme is supported by a diverse group of organisations, research institutions, clusters, and start-up communities from nine EU countries, working together to drive its success. Each member brings unique expertise, knowledge, and experience to make rural food systems more sustainable and self-sufficient.

Climate KIC’s role: Turning ideas into action

As the Scientific Coordinator of FoodCoP, Climate KIC is supporting the platform’s development by coordinating two key areas: Community Building and Mobilisation, and Training and Capacity Building, to ensure that the platform becomes a hub for practical solutions and collaborative action. 

We understand that true transformation requires not just new ideas but the skills, support, and networks to make those ideas a reality. Through “sensemaking” workshops, Climathons, and training programmes, we are working alongside rural communities to support the adoption of circular bioeconomy solution. Examples could include turning potato skins into compostable packaging or using regenerative farming practices to restore soil health.

As programme manager Elisa von Fritsch explains: “Transforming food systems starts at the roots. Through FoodCoP, we are supporting local actors to build sustainable futures from the ground up.”

A practical tool for stakeholders

The platform is for anyone working on sustainability, innovation, or rural development — including those in policy, research, entrepreneurship, and community action. It features:

• a curated library of resources on rural development, circular bioeconomy, food systems, and EU-funded projects 
• a discussion forum where users can ask questions, share experiences and co-create solutions 
• a directory of community members for peer-to-peer connection 
• a download area with practical tools and materials 
• an events section to stay updated and promote local activities

By providing a one-stop-shop for users, the platform helps overcome fragmentation, making it easier for rural actors to learn from each other and collaborate across regions and sectors.

Visit www.platform-foodcop.eu to get involved.