DeliSoil is the focus of this Innovation Spotlight. DeliSoil is an EU funded project that focuses on restoring soil health. More than 60% of EU soils are deemed unhealthy, and of course this has big implications for agricultural productivity. DeliSoil is addressing this challenge by transforming byproducts from the food industry into soil improvers, which promotes both soil health and sustainability.

Delisoil is innovative on a number of levels. Primarily, the project is repurposing food processing side-streams, which are rich in organic matter and nutrients but often contribute to environmental issues when wasted. DeliSoil uses food industry waste to create valuable materials that enhance soil health.

By transforming these residues into soil improvers, the project is showing the value potential of these former ‘waste’ products. So, it is pioneering circular solutions and enhancing the overall sustainability and safety of the food value chain. This process is not only environmentally friendly but also supports sustainable agriculture by reducing waste and improving soil quality through recycled organic matter.

• Establishment of five Regional Living Labs where researchers, farmers, industries, and citizens collaborate to create innovations for healthy soils.
• Development of cost-effective solutions to convert food industry byproducts into tailored soil enhancers.
• Creation of new value chains for food industry side-streams with viable business models.
• Identification of technological, financial, legislative, and social barriers and enablers for the project’s goals.
• Increased public awareness and acceptance of circular solutions through community building and knowledge sharing.

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