Future proofing the North Sea berry fruit industry in times of climate change (ClimaFruit)

Description:

ClimaFruit will establish transnational cooperation between research institutions and the NSR berry fruit industry in order to maximize the implementation of innovative technologies. By connecting the horticultural sector with EU, regional and national governments, we will strengthen the future sustainability of the NSR berry fruit industry against risk from climate change & add value to secure the long-term future of NSR fruit industries. A virtual NSR Soft Fruit Climate Change & Environment Centre will be formed by bringing together leading experts, commercial partners, consultants, industry boards and national/regional policy makers. ClimaFruit will ensure that public good outcomes are implemented to create lasting value throughout the NSR; in the short term to secure crops under threat & in the long term to position ourselves to capture future opportunities. Further aims are:

• Reducing chemical use & the carbon footprint of horticultural production systems, provide long term economically & ecologically sustainable solutions around optimal use of water, nutrients & chemicals. Secure the production of locally grown fruit, providing fresh healthy food products & natural ingredients for foods with reduced chemical residues;
• Creating new business opportunities that contribute to local economies in the processed & food sector by developing new & improved food products for & from the region;
• Overcoming existing risks & demonstrating the opportunity to grow the berryfruit industry in the NSR via increased production of both fresh & processed berry products;
• Developing a cluster of experts within the NSR ensuring the establishment of a world-leading berryfruit hub focused on implementing sustainable & healthy solutions;

Project information

Lead

Aarhus University - Department of Horticulture (DK)

Partners

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE) Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research (NO) Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NO) Scottish Crop Research Institute (UK) Fruit Research Institute (DE)

Source of funding

Interreg IV B North sea