HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-14: Green Transition Food Processing Africa

The Horizon Europe FARM2FORK call supports the green transition in African food processing through:

• Reduction of post-harvest losses

• Circular valorization of side streams

• Adoption of biotechnology and renewable energy in food transformation

• Development of safe and sustainable packaging

• Digital traceability and quality assurance systems

The TRACE4GREEN project proposes an integrated approach combining green food processing, digital traceability, and circular bioeconomy solutions, driven by a balanced Africa–Europe–Canada consortium with complementary expertise.

2. Overall Objective

To strengthen the sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience of African agri-food systems through the integration of soft and green food processing technologies, digital traceability, and circular valorization.

3. Specific Objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Specific Objective

Expected Results

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Develop and adapt green, low-energy food processing methods for selected value chains (millets, cassava, legumes, fisheries, cocoa, fruits).

Innovative, safe, and sustainable processing methods tested in multiple African contexts.

- Number of pilot value chains
- % reduction of losses during processing
- Improved nutritional quality metrics

2. Deploy digital traceability systems (AI, blockchain, sensors) for food safety and transparency.

Fully traceable pilot chains with improved quality and safety control.

- % of products covered by traceability
- Number of digital tools deployed
- Reduction of non-compliance incidents

3. Reduce post-harvest losses via improved storage and preservation systems.

Enhanced storage conditions and longer product shelf life.

- % reduction of post-harvest losses
- Number of storage innovations applied

4. Valorize by-products through biotechnological and circular approaches (fermentation, bio-packaging).

New circular products and materials from side streams.

- Quantity of by-products valorized
- Number of new bio-based products developed

5. Strengthen Africa–EU partnerships, technology transfer, and local capacity building.

Long-term cooperation models, enhanced skills, and innovation uptake.

- Number of trainings, workshops
- Number of Africa–EU partnerships established

4. Proposed Work Packages (WP) :

WP

Title

Main Focus

WP1

Project Coordination and Management

Strategic, administrative, and financial management; internal communication.

WP2

Diagnosis and Selection of Value Chains

Identification of priority value chains and challenges in each African context.

WP3

Green and Innovative Processing

Development of soft transformation processes (fermentation, drying, low-energy techniques, renewable energy use).

WP4

Digital Traceability Systems

Implementation of digital monitoring and AI-based traceability for food safety and quality control.

WP5

Circular Valorization

Development of solutions for by-product utilization, sustainable packaging, and waste reduction.

WP6

Demonstration and Pilots

Implementation of pilot projects in partner African countries (Senegal, Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia).

WP7

Impact, Dissemination, and Capacity Building

Training, policy recommendations, and contribution to AU-EU FNSSA and Global Gateway strategies.

5. Value Chain and Socioeconomic Actors:

Stage

Key Actors

Roles

Production

Farmers, cooperatives, fishermen

Sustainable raw material production, reduction of pre-harvest losses

Post-harvest

Logistics companies, startups, sensor providers

Quality preservation, loss reduction, data collection

Processing

SMEs, research centers, industries

Development and testing of green transformation techniques

Traceability

Digital companies, certifiers

Ensuring food safety and transparency

Distribution

Traders, exporters, retailers

Market access, sustainable distribution

End-of-life

Recycling companies, innovators

Valorization of waste, composting, bio-packaging

6. Consortium Composition and Added Value

Africa:

• Senegal (USSEIN)

• Kenya (University of Nairobi, ICIPE)

• Tanzania (SUA)

• Tunisia (ISSTE, INSAT, CNSTN, INAT)

Europe:

• France (University of Lille, CIRAD)

• Italy (University of Sassari)

Canada:

• Université Laval, Merinov