Project Data4Food2030
Project information
In short- Start project: 1 January 2023
- End project: 1 September 2026
- Financer: Horizon Europe (European Union)
- Project leader: Mireille van Hilten
The Data4Food2030 project by Wageningen Social & Economic Research explores how data are used and shared within European food systems. The project develops insights, design principles, and solutions that help policymakers and businesses work towards a more efficient, transparent, and fair data economy in the agri-food sector.
Our approach
The data economy in food systems revolves around creating value through people, digital technologies, and data sharing across products and services. Data4Food2030 supports the implementation and refinement of policies such as the Digital Single Market, the Green Deal, and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The project aims to provide insight into the current state of the data economy, monitor its development and impact, and identify opportunities and barriers for stakeholders - for instance, regarding data access and power dynamics. These insights are translated into recommendations and solutions. In addition, the project fosters stakeholder dialogue, tests recommendations in real-life cases, and outlines future scenarios through a roadmap for an innovative and fair data economy in the European agri-food sector.
Stakeholder interaction is key. Data4Food2030 works with nine case studies at micro and meso levels, where data and smart technologies are used to analyse and strengthen data-driven business models. Three of these cases are connected to Dutch companies and public organisations, focusing on circular waste management, sustainability data in food chains, and data-driven innovation and reuse in European fresh produce chains.
Find more information on the project website:data4food2030.eu
Data4Food2030 Monitor
An interactive dashboard
How do digital innovations affect the way we produce, distribute, and consume food? The Data4Food2030 Monitor offers insights into the rapidly growing data economy within European food systems. This interactive dashboard is available at monitor.data4food2030.eu.
An interactive dashboard
How do digital innovations affect the way we produce, distribute, and consume food? The Data4Food2030 Monitor offers insights into the rapidly growing data economy within European food systems. This interactive dashboard is available at monitor.data4food2030.eu.
A tool for policy and practice
The monitor provides an overview of trends in the data economy, with attention to technology, data rights, ethics, regulation, and sustainability. Users can, for example:
- explore emerging digital technologies in agri-food, such as artificial intelligence and edge computing;
- assess the quality of digital infrastructure in rural areas;
- gain insight into legal frameworks and compliance;
- explore examples of Data Sharing Initiatives (DSIs) across Europe.
The monitor is designed for everyone involved in the food system - from farmers and tech companies to policymakers and researchers. They can use the platform to inform policy, develop digital strategies, and strengthen collaboration.
A dynamic and growing platform
The Data4Food2030 Monitor combines multiple sources of information: official statistics, research data, automated web data, and practice-based insights. The platform evolves alongside new developments and invites organisations to register their own data-sharing initiatives (DSIs). This helps build a broader and more up-to-date picture of Europe’s food data economy.
The monitor is available in English and covers nine themes, including Economy & Business, Technology, Environment, Legal, and Social & Ethics. Together, these provide a holistic view of how data contribute to an innovative, sustainable, and fair food system.
Join us in shaping the future
Would you like to take part or learn more?
Visit monitor.data4food2030.eu to explore the platform or register your initiative. For more information, please contact Mireille van Hilten (Wageningen Social & Economic Research); see details at the bottom of the page.
Collaboration
For an overview of the consortium and partners, visit https://data4food2030.eu/consortium/.
Why partner with WUR?
Wageningen University & Research combineert toonaangevende expertise op het gebied van agrofood en digitalisering om data om te zetten in praktische, schaalbare en impactvolle oplossingen.
Added value
- Expertise in fair data economy and transparency
- Strong science-practice collaboration
- Access to innovative technologies
- Strong Dutch and EU networks
- New business models
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