Protein-I: Shared Island Sustainable Healthy Nutrition

We need to transform our current food system if we are to feed the rapidly expanding global population whilst maintaining planetary health. More specifically, within the Island of Ireland there is an urgent need to diversify the foods that currently contribute to our populations’ protein intake. A Shared-Island innovative Food Systems approach is required to achieve this in a manner that is sustainable and provides benefits to producers, consumers and other supply chain participants. Our project employs such an approach; our paradigm focuses on production of plant food through to human health, while paying particular attention to the development of the rural bioeconomy. Using a multi-disciplinary approach we will develop strategies to maximise sustainable plant protein production in a traceable/transparent fashion, assess the impact of changes to existing value chains and the development of new value chain for the rural economy and promote uptake of such strategies in rural communities. A smart supply chain technology solution tailored to the needs of the agri-food industry will be developed and tested. Additionally, we will co-design consumer led approaches to diversify plant protein intake, model the impact at the population level and perform human interventions to demonstrate efficacy in terms of achieving adequate nutrition and improved health. Furthermore, we will test emerging sensor technologies for their potential to aid delivery of personalised nutrition. We have included comprehensive engagement with stakeholders throughout the whole project to ensure maximum ability to leverage the outputs of the project, embracing the multi-actor approach. Protein-I will enable us to combine leading expertise and work together to maximise co-benefits across the food system. Overall, our project will be a key step towards future proofing our food system on the Island of Ireland and moving towards protecting planetary and population health, within the context of a just transition.