Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Organics Agroecology

Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Organics & Agroecology Leading Transition to Sustainable Food & Farming in Europe

Drafting process (2018 -2019) 3 workshops 33 authors 29 topics 4 themes

Moving organics forward Priorities for the organic sector » new Organic Regulation (EC 848/2018) results in new research priorities and support in implementing the new rules » Research should focus on: 1. Organic inputs and the circular economy: increasing the circularity of agricultural production 2. European Market Observatory for organic farming 3. Boosting organic breeding and the production of organic cultivars 4. New genetic engineering technologies and their implications for organic farming 5. Dealing with unwanted substances residues in organic products 6. The implementation of the new organic trade system 7. Increasing the sustainability of organic aquaculture

Climate resilient, diversified farming systems based on ecological approaches » Farming practices that intentionally include functional biodiversity in space and time in order to maintain ecosystem services » 12 research topics focusing on four sub-themes: 1. Diverse and healthy crops and livestock for multi-purpose production 2. Autonomy in genetic resources, 3. Ensuring production diversity in specialised systems, 4. Climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Re-design of food and agricultural policies from local to EU level » To achieve the transformation of European agri-food sector a farm-to-fork strategy along the whole value chain is needed. » Research should focus on: 1. impact assessment of the CAP regime post 2020 and impact of organic support policies 2. policies for to the delivery of public goods and sustainability assessment 3. local sustainable food systems, green public procurement & job creation 4. contribution of organics to food security and sustainable management of natural resources on a global level 5. digital Knowledge and Information Systems for organic food & farming

Sustainable value chains for better food systems » Food processing, distribution and consumption, including sustainable diets, must be better integrated in an organic food systems approach » Research should help organic sector to operate in each step of the food chain in accordance with organic principles. » Research should focus on 1. Minimal processing 2. Reducing food and packaging waste 3. Sustainable and healthy organic diets 4. Food safety in the organic value chain 5. Digital solutions for transparency across the value chains

Recommendations for Policy-Makers » Organic sector has led the way for providing food with minimal environmental footprint, where the highest quality is achieved through fair production and careful processing. » Organic sector needs to develop further , inspiring and leading the transformation of the wider food system. » R&I in the organic sector is crucial to improve our future food systems

Available online: tporganics. eu/publications/ Summary & Full versions

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» All priority topics by theme

Moving organics forward: Priorities for the organic sector 1 Organic inputs and the circular economy: increasing the circularity of agricultural production 2 European Market Observatory for organic farming 3 Boosting organic breeding and the production of organic cultivars 4 New genetic engineering technologies and their implications for organic farming 5 Dealing with unwanted substances residues in organic products 6 The implementation of the new organic trade system 7 Increasing the sustainability of organic aquaculture

Climate resilient, diversified farming systems based on ecological approaches 1 Diverse and healthy crops and livestock for multi-purpose production 1. 1 Achieving a circular economy in livestock production 1. 2 Healthy crops and stable yields – crop management based on functional diversity 1. 3 Microbiome and sustainable food production 1. 4 Digitalisation for more diversified farming systems 2 Autonomy in genetic resources 2. 1 Plant breeding for climate resilience, production stability and income robustness in organic farming systems 2. 2 Breeding of animals for longevity, hardiness, and multi-purpose production 3 How to ensure production diversity in specialised systems 3. 1 Agroecological management of protected cropping and greenhouse production 3. 2 Diversified fruit orchards and vineyards for functional intensification 3. 3 Sustainable concepts for organic and low-input monogastric systems 4 Climate change mitigation and adaptation 4. 1 Agroforestry for climate change mitigation and biodiversity 4. 2 Climate-resilient grass-fed ruminants 4. 3 Carbon sequestration and soil management for mitigation and adaptation to climate change

Re-design of food and agricultural policies from local to EU level 1 Better farming policies post 2020 for a more sustainable and diverse farming sector in the EU 2 Measuring agricultural sustainability and public goods in EU agriculture 3 Opportunities for young entrants in local sustainable food systems through green public procurement 4 Contribution of agroecological and organic farming to food security and sustainable management of natural resources on a global level 5 Strengthening knowledge and innovation system for organics

Sustainable consumption & healthy diets 1 Consumer demand for minimal and mild processing 2 Innovation for reducing food and packaging waste 3 Sustainable and healthy organic diets 4 Food safety in the organic value chain 5 Transparency and better links across the value chain