SUSTAINCrop Launches to Help Europe Grow a More Sustainable Bio-Based Economy

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ByG!E

PRESS RELEASE – 25 June 2026

A new Horizon Europe project, SUSTAINCrop, has launched to help farmers, companies and policymakers make better decisions about crops used in bio-based industries. As Europe seeks alternatives to fossil-based materials, crops such as rapeseed, sugar beet, hemp and flax are becoming increasingly important sources of renewable raw materials. However, understanding their true environmental impact remains a challenge.

SUSTAINCrop will develop practical tools that make it easier to compare crop production systems and assess their effects on land use, water resources, biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions and future market opportunities. By providing reliable and comparable information, the project aims to support more sustainable decisions across bio-based value chains.

“Many of the materials we use every day could come from renewable crops instead of fossil resources, but that only makes sense if we understand the full environmental picture. SUSTAINCrop will turn complex science into practical guidance, helping farmers, industry and policymakers choose better options. As consortium leader, innomine is proud to coordinate a project that connects digital innovation, trusted data and real cooperation between Europe and Latin America.” Dr Gábor Vicze Consortium Leader INNOMINE

A key feature of SUSTAINCrop is its strong focus on collaboration. Through Knowledge Exchange Communities established across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, farmers, researchers, industry representatives and policymakers will work together to validate results and ensure project outputs address real-world needs. The project will also strengthen cooperation between Europe and Latin America, supporting knowledge exchange and helping build more sustainable and resilient bio-based value chains.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

  • Geo-referenced database covering crop production systems across different regions
  • Interactive dashboard to compare scenarios and explore sustainable options
  • Digital modelling framework for assessing environmental impacts
  • Practical guidance, training materials and policy recommendations

ABOUT SUSTAINCROP

A 36-month Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action that started on 1 June 2026. The consortium brings together 12 organisations from 9 countries across Europe and Latin America, coordinated by INNOMINE Digital Innovation Hub (Hungary).

KEY FOCUS AREAS

  • Land use & biodiversity
  • Water resource management
  • Greenhouse gas emissions
  • Bio-based market opportunities
  • EU–Latin America cooperation

CONSORTIUM PARTNERS

  • INNOMINE (Hungary, consortium leader)
  • IFAU (Denmark)
  • CluBE and NTUA (Greece)
  • ZALF, inter3 and ATB (Germany)
  • FCTA (Spain)
  • Greenovate! Europe (Belgium)
  • INTECH/CONICET (Argentina)
  • Universidad San Pablo de Guatemala (Guatemala)
  • Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (Colombia)

Project Coordination: Barbara Papai / Clara Amaro, INNOMINE (barbara.papai@innomine.com; clara.amaro@innomine.com)

Communication: Agnieszka Wieczorek Jetha, Greenovate! Europe (a.wieczorek@greenovate-europe.eu)

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