Increasing the capacity of change and adaptation of agri-food chain: the Agri-food CHIP project

Abstract

The increasing vulnerability of food systems is a pressing challenge amplified by global interconnectedness. Political instability, natural disasters, economic crises, invasive species, health emergencies, and geopolitical turmoil severely affect socio-economic structures and food security in unpredictable ways. Resilience, defined as adaptive capacity, is key to addressing these challenges. Agroecologists have introduced the concept of “sustainagility,” emphasizing a system’s ability to maintain adaptability and meet evolving needs. Sustainagility centers on enhancing change readiness to navigate future uncertainties.

The Agri-food CHIP (Agri-food CHains Integration Project) project, funded by the Ministry of University and Research under the PRIN 2022 call, focuses on Salento, the southernmost region of Apulia in Italy, characterized by marginal areas and traditional food chains like the olive oil industry. This sector has faced in the last years significant socio-economic consequences due to the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which has caused widespread olive tree decline, compounded by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical disruptions. However, other local food chains harbor latent resources with untapped economic potential, including the wine chain, that could provide grape seed oil, bioactive compounds, and wine additives.

This project proposes a model of resilience and sustainagility for Salento by leveraging existing assets and fostering diverse solutions. Key strategies include: (i) integrating food supply chains via circular economy principles; (ii) transforming olive oil mills into multi-process extraction hubs; and (iii) employing digital technologies to interconnect food networks with stakeholders, aligning with Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 paradigms.

Innovative and sustainable extraction processes will be developed using advanced biotechnologies and mild technologies—such as ultrasounds, microwaves, and pulsed electric fields—enabling eco-friendly, water-based extraction methods. Resultant products will be assessed for quality parameters (virgin grape seed oil) or enological applications (e.g., grape seed panels, fresh grape skins).

Finally, a carbon-conscious track-and-trace framework will document all processes, differentiating the approach from conventional blockchain solutions. The project incorporates smart-contract features and a customer-centric voice application for enhanced accessibility via smart speakers. This comprehensive approach aims to drive sustainable innovation and adaptability in the agri-food sector of Salento.