Bio-based circular food systems from resilient horticulture to climate-positive value chains

This project idea addresses HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-09 by developing circular, bio-based food value chains that balance food security, bioeconomy development, climate resilience and biodiversity protection.

The concept integrates low-input, diversified horticulture systems for vegetables, fruits and berries with microbial and biotechnological solutions that support biodiversity, reduce chemical inputs and increase resilience to climate stress. Functional microbial consortia are applied for biostimulation, bioprotection and safe food processing, decreasing post-harvest losses.

Advanced fermentation technologies (mixed microbial, fungal, enzymatic and solid-state fermentation) are used to:

• valorise side streams from vegetables and berries, and

• develop new fermented foods and bio-based ingredients.

The project results in innovative circular food products, including fermentation-derived natural preservatives, flavour compounds, fibres and bio-ingredients, enabling clean-label, high-value foods with reduced land use and lower GHG footprint.

The core concept, led by Association Užventis health center (Lithuania), is a culture-driven circular food value chain linking sustainable primary production, fermentation know-how and consumer-oriented food innovation.

Association Užventis health center is a non-profit organisation that also performs SME-type activities, including food production, pilot-scale testing and validation of innovative food products and processes in real-life conditions.

🔍 Partners sought

We are looking for partners with expertise in:

• bio-based technologies and biomass valorisation,

• microbiome research, fermentation and bioprocessing,

• biodiversity and climate impact assessment (LCA, indicators),

• scaling and policy-oriented bioeconomy solutions.

We aim to join or co-develop a Horizon Europe Cluster 6 consortium for Calls 2026 and are open to collaborating with experienced coordinators or strong research–innovation consortia.