Koppert Biological Systems joins EU consortium to transform food production and distribution

Netherland-based Koppert Biological Systems will join a consortium of 50 European companies that aims to to transform how food is produced, distributed and consumed.

The announcement was made by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union (EU).

EIT further stated that the future of food is high on the EU’s agenda, and the consortium is planning to invest nearly €1,200m over the next seven years, €400m of which will be financed by the EU.

Consortium coordinator Thomas Hofmann said: “The partnership will put Europe at the centre of a global revolution in food innovation and productions. Our services and ideas will contribute to the safety and sustainability of food across Europe.”

The consortium was selected following a EU competition launched in earlier this year, and a thorough evaluation by external experts and the EIT governing board.

This consortium includes companies such as DSM, PlantLab, Nestec, PepsiCo, Siemens, John Deere, Colruyt, Vilmorin &Cie and Döhler.

Apart from the food production companies, the consortium includes a number of leading universities and scientific partners that cover the entire food value chain.

Koppert Biological Systems strategic alliances director Peter Jens said: “The competition for membership of the consortium had been fierce.

“We will put Koppert’s knowledge and skills in the innovation of biological solutions for horticulture and agriculture into building a fully human-centric, healthy and sustainable food system in Europe and beyond.”