Thematic Line 2

TL2: Ensure sustainable food and biomass systems

TL2 tackles the challenges of increasing yields in agricultural and forestry production systems while increasing the sustainability of the whole system, thus contributing to food security, safety and quality. 

Intervention areas to be covered within the scope of TL2 include the development of solutions promoting resilient production systems ensuring sustainability and economic balance within both farm and forestry sectors, the application of current technologies and further development of solutions promoting food safety, quality and traceability and the identification of challenges as well as definition and implementation of mechanisms ensuring the sustainability of high-nature-value-farmlands (e.g. Montado, Olive Orchards, Vineyards, etc.).  

TL2 aims to contribute to developing and applying new technologies targeting water, nutrients and energy management, considering ecosystem preservation and services and a circular economy approach. Digital transformation in agriculture and rural areas will in addition be a topic of focus, which will support farmers working towards neutral carbon and zero waste farming systems more resilient to climate change. Optimisation of water and nutrient usage, and the development of a more streamlined value chain, enabling improved knowledge exchange and communication between all relevant stakeholders from farm to fork (producers, distributors, consumers) will be focus topics of intervention. 

Research areas and expertise useful in such context include agro-ecology, conservation agriculture, precision agriculture, agro-forestry, and carbon farming. 

Based on the previously outlined focus areas, TL2 will mainly contribute to the refinement and further development of public policies and instruments aligned with the principles outlined within the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, the National Strategy for Food Safety and Nutrition 2021 (ENSANP), the National Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027 (PAC) and the National Innovation for the Agriculture 2020-2030.