WINN Organic
Over the course of four years between 2025 and 2029, the Open Food Network UK will play a key role in developing and promoting organic short food supply chains alongside partners across Europe as part of the Widening INNovations in ORGANIC Food project: WINN Organic.
The project, funded under the Horizon Europe Innovation Action, runs from 2025–2029 with a budget of €7M. Together with 19 partners across 9 countries (Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary, United Kingdom, and Switzerland), we will strengthen innovation in the organic sector by setting up eight Organic Food Innovation Hubs across Europe.
These hubs will be spaces for co-creation and experimentation, bringing together researchers, small producers, enterprises, policymakers, and citizens. Our work will include supporting the creation of local organic supply chains, contributing to the growth of bioregions (biostretti) and advancing food public procurement practices. Together, our shared goal is to build a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable European organic agrifood system through:
✔ Building innovation ecosystems where collaboration thrives
✔ Supporting small producers with practical technologies
✔ Measuring what matters with sustainability frameworks
✔ Bringing ideas to life in Organic Food Innovation Hubs
✔ Making learning immersive with AR experiences
✔ Scaling local solutions into Europe-wide transformation
Activities will range from:
- New small-scale processing technologies (fermentations, low-temperature pasteurisation, etc.)
- Compostable and biodegradable bioplastic packaging
- Open digital networks for short supply chains
- Novel business models for organic food systems
The WINN Organic project officially launched at a three day kick-off meeting from 16th – 18th September 2025, hosted by Project Lead CIHEAM Bari in Italy.
Day One saw partners showcasing their innovations, presentations from the Organic Food Innovation Hubs (OFIHs), and an exciting VR experience by Evholo, which offered a glimpse into the future of organic food innovations.
Day Two was all about teamwork, creativity, and building pathways together, with highlights including a world café session to shape work package pathways, a methodology co-creation session and a special cultural performance by Daniele De Michele (a.k.a Don Pasta) blending food, art and community spirit.
Day Three was a day of action, planning, and looking ahead, with an Innovation in Action workshop setting the stage for moving from ideas to actionable steps with a strong, united consortium.
The key takeaway message? With collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose, WINN Organic is ready to shape the future of organic food systems across Europe.
Funded by the European Union and Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA, nor SERI.