Plant-Based Protein. Biodiversity increases organic nutrient availability. Green infrastructures

As the global demand for plant-based foods rises, Danish agriculture faces the need to change agricultural systems to grow more grain legumes. A new research project led by Aarhus University includes 10 partners across the value chain. The project, funded by Plantefonden, aims to cultivate Danish-grown lupins and soybeans—a step that could significantly reduce the reliance on imported protein crop products.

Insects and spiders are important elements in the food webs of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. With declines in their biodiversity, the food supply for birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals is not only becoming scarcer, but also poorer in important fatty acids, as an international research team led by scientists from Eawag and WSL reports in the journal Science.

REDESIGN will support the transformation of local urban food systems by creating Food Value Systems (FVS). FVSs aim to strengthen urban resilience through food-led green urban and peri-urban infrastructure enhancement, foster participation in the food system of local communities, contribute to the quality and beauty of living places, and mitigate climate change through the integration of urban agriculture with the built environment.