A non-profit collaborative laboratory connecting science, technology, education and producers — moving the food chain toward carbon neutrality, one pilot at a time.
Food4Sustainability CoLAB is a non-profit association dedicated to innovation in sustainable food production. We work to support the transition to carbon-neutral food systems by connecting science, technology, education and producers in practical innovation programs.
Our concept and circular production systems approach was developed through a collaborative process with national and international stakeholders and experts, as part of Building Global Innovators' (BGI) collaboration with the Idanha-a-Nova municipality — involving partners from the EIT Digital, Climate-KIC and EIT Food networks.
To stimulate skilled jobs generating economic and social value in Portugal, the Government promotes research and innovation laboratories that bring together companies, universities and scientific centres — Collaborative Laboratories (CoLAB). They meet the challenge of densifying the national territory in knowledge-based activity, through growing collaboration between science, technology, higher education, and the economic and social fabric.
Every pilot starts underground. Next-generation sequencing reads the biological, chemical and physical state of the soil — the microbial layer most farms never see — so we can pinpoint exactly which imbalances are holding a field back before recommending a fix.
“We are fixing our food production value chain for a sustainable planet.”
We need to reach carbon neutrality in the food production system. Carbon neutrality means balancing the emission and capture of atmospheric carbon.
Farmers and producers have a key role in this path to carbon neutrality, and they need help — support, knowledge and technology — to transition to organic and sustainable farming.
Our dietary habits and food choices can also make a difference. It's urgent to disseminate sustainable food and consumption practices so that, together, we can achieve carbon neutrality.
From our MISSION — our purpose, the reason we exist — to our VISION — the image of the future we want to create — through the GOALS and STRATEGY we've set, and the EXPERTISE we rely on: every part of Food4Sustainability is a piece of the path to carbon neutrality and a secure future for food.
We want to transform the way we produce food — respecting nature, protecting the soil, water and life. We bring together science, tradition and innovation so everyone can grow food in a healthy, regenerative, sustainable way.
Where fields are fertile, food is safe, and synthetic chemicals are no longer the norm. We work daily to make this future accessible to those who grow, visible to those who consume, and essential for the planet.
Our goals define what we want to change; our strategy defines how we get there. Through pilots, experimentation, training and collaboration, we test real solutions that create value for communities, producers and the environment.
We bring together science, agriculture, business, technology and field experience — giving us the capacity to support innovation from concept to implementation.
Test and implement novel approaches to food production systems that can massively impact several value chains:
Develop and test emerging approaches and technologies for the sustainable intensification of food production.
Build the capacity of farmers to adopt state-of-the-art solutions towards sustainable agriculture techniques.
Provide education and experimentation for other communities of interest, disseminating techniques to achieve higher yields in selected crops through specialised teams.
Our strategy is supported by practical, applicable activities capable of creating value for the entire food chain.
NGS DNA sequencing, bacterial/fungal ratios, and biological soil health scoring.
Request microbiome analysis →Carbon sequestration tracking, water-use efficiency, and bio-based inputs.
Request transition analysis →Turning agrifood waste into functional bio-compounds.
Request quota →“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Food4Sustainability has a wide team of partners, team members and support to help the environment reap the benefits.
Led by BGI, an international start-up/scale-up accelerator.
A dedicated team supporting the agricultural sector by executing and building value from research, development and deployment of innovation initiatives based on smart, sustainable applications.
Interested in joining us? →From FCT, who recognised F4S as a CoLAB, to our co-funders and network — our support is an essential part of our path.
Whether you're a farmer, a researcher, a producer, or an organisation working toward carbon neutrality — there's a place for you in this transition.