The PRIMA Initiative: together for more sustainable agrifood systems

In line with the regional Agenda under discussion in the context of the Union for the Mediterranean as well as at EU level, PRIMA is willing to serve as a platform and infrastructure for the effective application of the innovative solutions needed to meet the global challenge of an effective implementation of Agenda 2030 and de-carbonization. It is contributing to the consultation just launched by UfM for the definition of its Research and Innovation Agenda, and it will carefully listen to the outcomes of such consultation. The partnership with UfM is considered by PRIMA as a strategic one, given the relevant political and institutional role of that organization in the Mediterranean area. In the Euro-Mediterranean region, there is an incredible need of a major transformation of food and water management systems. However, a successful transformation needs to be underpinned by innovation systems. It is critical that research efforts are targeted towards end user needs and are underpinned by robust partnerships to ensure adoption and societal outcomes at scale. Even more crucial is to foster an ecosystem where the adoption of innovation is possible and accessible to SMEs, companies, farmers, communities and end-users. By exploiting the results of research and innovation projects funded, in order for them to have a tangible impact, PRIMA is a good experience to look at. By doing that, PRIMA and similar experiences could truly contribute to the resilience and recovery of the Mediterranean region.