Lisbon / Prague / Copenhagen, [September 2nd]
A new €2.2 million European project, ISAAP (Innovative Strategies to Accelerate Adoption and Consumption of Plant-Based Food), has officially launched with the support of EIT Food, Europe’s leading food innovation network. The project is part of the EIT Food Impact Funding Framework and will run from September 2025 until August 2027.
ISAAP brings together a consortium of organizations from Portugal, Czechia, and Denmark to promote healthier, more sustainable food systems and strengthen Europe’s food resilience. Building on the successful Danish national action plan for plant-based foods, the project aims to replicate and expand similar strategies in other EU countries. The goal is also to contribute to stronger European food security and make food systems more resource-efficient, less import-dependent, more climate-resilient, more affordable, and more nutritious.
“This project represents a unique opportunity to transform our food systems for the benefit of people and the planet,” said Linda Janatová, EU Project Manager at ProVeg Czechia. “By supporting farmers, innovating in food services, and engaging policymakers, ISAAP will accelerate the adoption of plant-based foods across Europe.”
Project Highlights
- Policy Engagement: Developing evidence-based recommendations for national action plans in Portugal and Czechia, modeled on Denmark’s pioneering example.
- Farmer Support in Portugal: Training, empowering, and supporting farmers to cultivate legumes, strengthening local production, developing innovative new products such as a legume-based cheese, and connecting stakeholders.
- Food Service Innovation in Czechia: Expanding plant-based catering options and sharing best practices across the sector, including through the New Food Forum.
- Healthcare Awareness in Denmark: Creating a national knowledge network and resources for healthcare professionals to better promote plant-based nutrition for wellbeing.
ISAAP directly contributes to EIT Food’s three missions: building a Net Zero food system, supporting Healthier Lives Through Food, and creating a fairer, more Resilient Food System.
Collaborating for Sustainable Change: Perspectives from Across Europe
ProVeg Czechia emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors. “Our work in Czechia is about creating more opportunities for plant-based meals in partnership with caterers, policymakers, and innovators,” said Martin Ranninger, Co-Director of ProVeg Czechia. “The transition to a sustainable food system can only succeed if industry, farmers, policymakers, and civil society work hand in hand. Through ISAAP, ProVeg Czechia is proud to collaborate with diverse partners to expand plant-based options and support positive change for both people and the planet.”
From the agricultural side, the Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal (CAP) stressed the role of farmers in this transition. “This project represents a concrete opportunity to strengthen the role of Portuguese agriculture in the sustainable production of legumes,” said Luís Mira, Secretary-General of CAP. “Valuing these crops, from the field to the consumer, is essential to ensure fair incomes for farmers, promote innovation, and respond to the needs of a healthier, more autonomous food system.”
CERPRO, a Portuguese producers’ organization, underlined the multiple benefits of legumes for both farmers and the environment. Agricultural technician Júlio Bento noted: “The cultivation of legumes within the agricultural system has several advantages, such as reduced need for chemical nitrogen fertilizers, improved soil structure, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Productivity and farmers’ profitability can go hand in hand with the conservation of nature and ecosystems.”
ProVeg Portugal highlighted the collaborative approach of ISAAP. “Supporting Portuguese farmers to grow more legumes and connecting them with research and industry partners is a cornerstone of this project,” said Joana Oliveira, Country Director of ProVeg Portugal. “ISAAP gives us the chance to contribute to Portugal’s future food strategy while learning from our European partners. By engaging decisionmakers and working closely with farmers and researchers, we can create solutions that are sustainable, resilient, and beneficial for everyone.”
From the academic perspective, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) pointed to the importance of bridging research and practice. “The ISAAP project brings a unique opportunity to close the gap in local value chains and address the needs of all stakeholders working towards improved ecosystems, better health and diets, and stronger economies,” said Carla S. Santos, Doctorate Researcher at UCP. “At UCP, we are committed to translating science into practice, from supporting farmers to developing innovative plant-based foods, ensuring that these solutions contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Denmark’s experience also provides inspiration. “Engaging and educating healthcare professionals is a central component to securing and accelerating adoption of plant-based nutrition,” said Louise Johansen, Head of Programmes at Dansk Vegetarisk Forening (DVF). “We are also happy that, as part of the project, we can inspire the rest of Europe with Danish plant-based initiatives that support a more resilient food system.”
Finally, from the food service sector, Catering Zdravě stressed the practical benefits of joining the consortium. “We joined the consortium because its mission to transform the food system towards genuine sustainability resonates deeply with our vision,” said Michal Horák of Catering Zdravě. “Through this partnership, we gain access to valuable tools, expertise, and collaborations that accelerate our efforts to reduce food waste and implement sustainable improvements. For us, it is not about PR — it is about creating measurable impact for farmers, guests, and the planet.”
Consortium Partners
The ISAAP project is coordinated by ProVeg Czechia (Czechia) together with Confederação dos Agricultores de Portugal – CAP (Portugal), CERPRO – Organização de Produtores, S.A. (Portugal), ProVeg Portugal (Portugal), Universidade Católica Portuguesa – UCP (Portugal), Dansk Vegetarisk Forening – DVF (Denmark), and Catering Zdravě (Czechia). Together, these partners bring expertise in advocacy, farming, catering, product innovation, and health, ensuring a holistic approach to food system transformation.
The ISAAP project is co-funded by
For media inquiries, please contact: Linda Janatová – EU Project Manager (linda.janatova@proveg.org).
For more information, visit the project webpage at eitfood.eu/projects/isaap and the project website at isaap.eu.