TrueFoodS

Acronym: TrueFoodS
Title: Transforming European Food Systems: Sustainability, Equity, Governance and Resilience as core elements

What is the TrueFoodS project about and what challenge does it aim to address?
TrueFoodS is a project aimed at transforming food systems, with a specific focus on the post-harvest phase. There are many projects focused on production, regulations, and governance structures, but post-harvest is where significant food losses, resource-use inefficiencies, and social inequalities are concentrated. The project seeks to address issues such as the waste of tonnes of food, regulatory fragmentation among Member States in the regulation of post-production food systems, and the barriers faced by SMEs and marginalised groups in adopting sustainable practices. Its main objective is to promote more sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems through inclusive governance, proposals for circular economy models, and legal and social innovation. One of its main strengths is the breadth and diversity of the consortium: 13 partners from Spain, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria, Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Belgium, bringing together universities, research centres, local and regional governments, social organisations (NGOs and CSOs) and agri-food start-ups. 
What are the key outcomes or innovations TrueFoodS hopes to achieve?
As a consortium, we aspire to generate structural transformations in post-harvest systems. In simple terms, we aim to:
•    Develop circular economy strategies to reduce waste and environmental footprint.
•    Describe and deploy an inclusive business model that strengthens SMEs and empowers vulnerable groups.
•    Write and implement at the local level a roadmap for a more coherent regulatory framework that facilitates aligned governance between regional, national and EU levels.
•    Scientific and policy tools such as lifecycle analysis, regulatory harmonisation guides, good-practice manuals, and a European roadmap for resilience.
•    Participatory processes and co-creation spaces that incorporate local knowledge and allow outcomes to be replicated in at least 10 EU countries.

Which expertise will VUB bring to the table in this consortium?
The VUB not only coordinates the consortium and leads the scientific and administrative management of the project, but also brings a solid set of skills that enable sustainability to be linked to food regulation and governance. Our university contributes expertise in food system governance, sustainability, agri-food law, European law, and international trade law, which positions us to participate in several work packages and support the formulation of regulatory frameworks, circular models, and policy roadmaps. We also provide the consortium with a wide network of institutional, academic, community, and productive actors, which facilitates processes of co-creation, validation, and knowledge transfer across different territorial contexts. 
What advice would you give to other VUB researchers considering applying for EU funding as a coordinator?
I believe that the most important thing is to start with a solid preliminary design of the idea, clearly identifying the scientific or political gap to be addressed, the objectives that justify the proposal, and how the project can contribute to the call. From there, it is essential to ask what disciplines are needed to meet those objectives, because interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity are no longer optional: they are at the very heart of current European research. Once this is clear, the consortium-building phase begins, selecting partners who not only contribute technically but also represent each scientific and social dimension the project requires. A consortium with good synergy from the outset makes the entire process smoother. I would also recommend being transparent, realistic, and balanced in the distribution of work, defining specific responsibilities, and assessing contributions based on each institution's capabilities. This allows the project to be born organised, with clear expectations and a framework that facilitates coordination throughout implementation.
Finally, I would say something that has been key for me: do not waste the institutional support offered by the VUB, especially through the ERIS team. Their technical, administrative and strategic support from the conception of the proposal to its approval (and beyond) has been commendable. I am satisfied with the professionalism, commitment, and dedication with which they support each idea, and I would recommend that any researcher take advantage of this valuable tool we have.