Food RADARS

Food RADARS is a cross-border project aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of agri-food businesses in Belgium and France. It aims to position these companies in strategic value chains at regional and European level, by promoting innovation and breaking down geographical, sectoral and organisational barriers.

Project objective :

• Foster innovation and resilience:

The project encourages an open innovation model, bringing together companies of different sizes, sectors and territories via cross-fertilisation. This enables an exchange of knowledge, resources and inspiring practices.

• Raising awareness of innovation:

Food RADARS highlights the importance of innovation through testimonials, demonstrations of potential gains and access to technical and regulatory expertise. Themed workshops and coaching sessions will also be offered to help companies overcome the obstacles they face.

• Anticipating risks and opportunities:

The project helps companies to better manage risks (shortages, inflation, energy transition) and to explore sustainable solutions that can be rapidly integrated into their processes, thanks to innovation competitions and specific training.

• Assistance with regulatory changes:

Companies will be informed and supported in adapting to new regulations (packaging, labels, nutriscores) via seminars and cross-border networks.

Concrete actions :

• Pilot schemes:

Collective actions will be carried out to structure local supply chains, improve sustainable packaging solutions and optimise the logistics of agri-food businesses.

• Strengthening the skills of VSEs/SMEs:

The project offers training in storytelling, digitalisation and sales techniques to increase the sales force and promote access to new cross-border markets.

• Capitalising on results:

Food RADARS will put companies in touch with professional buyers and take part in trade fairs, shows and events to promote their sustainable solutions.

A strategic cross-border partnership

Thanks to this unique partnership, the project pools complementary skills and technical tools on both sides of the border. This will enrich the networks of expertise and capitalise on a wide range of cases and solutions to support all stakeholders, from small farmers to major industries.

Food RADARS is also part of the CrossS3 portfolio, which means it can benefit from greater exploitation of results, improved coordination of actions and enhanced cross-sectoral coordination.

Start date : July 1st, 2024 

Duration : 24 months

Budget : €4.3m