Rita Vilas-Boas

Very important study highlighting the relationship between increasing the complexity of farm systems through agroforestry and soil carbon. Scientific based arguments for the importance of regenerative agriculture in climate change mitigation.  

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Big step towards a just transition and rebalanced food system I am really encouraged by the recent European Commission report which calls for "urgent, ambitious and feasible" change in farm and food systems. It calls for a rebalancing of diets towards plant-based proteins. Highlighting the need for support such as better education, stricter marketing, voluntary buy-out of some farms and tax reduction on healthy & sustainable food products. There is also a call to move from the current subsidy system to a just transition fund. This arena has often felt like a battleground between farmers, lobbyists, environmentalists, food businesses, politicians and others. So for me the most encouraging reaction to the report comes from the European Council of Young Farmers, who saw the process of creating this report as: "actually making steps into the transition in a collective and strategic way". Amen to that and here's to collective action making positive change work for those people and communities who are engaged in it! #healthyandsustainablediets #foodsystemchange #foodbusiness #foodandfarming #eatmoreplants ____________________________________ I am Co-founder of Oh So Wholesome and a supporter of collective action in the food system to achieve positive change - all with the goal of healthier and more sustainable diets.

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🚀 Exciting times ahead for uFoodin! 🌍 At uFoodin, we're on a mission to help food producers expand their reach in the B2B space and connect with top buyers across the globe. Our B2B Marketplace is designed specifically for large-volume orders, making it a go-to hub for the global food industry. If you're an exporter or manufacturer, here’s why you should join: ✅ Visibility to top buyers: Supermarket chains, hotel chains, restaurant groups, , importers, factories, and distributors actively search for new suppliers. ✅ Verified sellers: We ensure each seller is verified, giving buyers complete trust in their suppliers. ✅ Dedicated B2B eStore: Sellers get their own dashboard to manage everything seamlessly—from orders to inquiries. Check out our Seller Dashboard video for a sneak peek. : https://lnkd.in/duTGsAdb ✅ Escrow Payment System: Ensuring secure transactions across 210+ countries. ✅ Integrated Social Network: Suppliers and buyers can engage directly via live chat, fostering transparency and trust. And as part of our efforts to support business growth, we're also hosting uFoodinExpo - European Retail & Hospitality Food Sourcing in Lisbon! 🌟 Producers from around the world will gather to meet key decision-makers from European supermarkets, hotel chains, restaurants, and food distributors. This is not just a one-time event—uFoodinExpo is part of a bigger strategy before, during, and after the expo: 🔹 Before: Gain visibility on our B2B Marketplace to start building connections. 🔹 During: Meet buyers face-to-face, explore partnerships, and present your innovations. 🔹 After: Continue your exposure year-round through our platform, offering a continuous sales channel to European buyers. 🌟 Ready-to-Go Booths start from €2,000 with a flexible payment plan, plus exhibitors at uFoodinExpo will receive a complimentary Silver Seller Lifetime Membership for our B2B Marketplace. Interested? Learn more and get started with Early Bird bookings here: 📍 Event details: https://lnkd.in/dukYRuSk 📍 Get your Booth Quotation: https://lnkd.in/dftDgtC9 #foodbusiness #B2Bmarketplace #foodtrade #foodexpo #globalnetworking #uFoodinExpo #B2Bfoodplatform

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Breaking News: Monk Fruit Sweetener Gets Green Light in EU 🍃🇪🇺 Exciting developments in the world of natural sweeteners! The European Union has just granted novel food status to monk fruit (Luo Han Guo) extract, opening up a world of possibilities for food and beverage manufacturers across Europe. Key points: 🏆 Monk fruit extract is now approved for use in a variety of food categories in the EU 🍬 It's a zero-calorie, natural sweetener, 150-200 times sweeter than sugar 🌿 Known for its clean taste profile and minimal aftertaste 🔬 Extensive safety evaluations conducted by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) 🌍 Already popular in the US and Asia, now poised for growth in Europe What this means for the industry: 1. New product development opportunities 2. Potential reformulations of existing products 3. Addressing consumer demand for natural, low-calorie options 4. Possible shift in the sweetener market landscape Are you in the food and beverage industry? How do you see this impacting your product lines or consumer choices? Share your thoughts on this sweet development! 🍯💭 #MonkFruit #NovelFood #EURegulation #NaturalSweeteners #FoodInnovation #HealthyAlternatives #CleanLabel #ZeroSugar

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As we continue to unknot the idea that all ultra-processed food is unhealthy and a destroyer of the gut biome, research from the Sao Paulo University department which coined the idea of 'UPF' helps develop the case for the defence a little further. The survey explored the diets of a cohort of vegans and revealed some interesting findings including the facts that: ▶ '...on average the participants consumed the recommended amount of proteins and essential amino acids, and that their diet consisted largely of unprocessed and minimally processed foods.' But that, ▶ The study also found a significant correlation between adequate protein intake and consumption of ultra-processed products. “Although this group consumed a small amount of ultra-processed products, some participants appeared to rely on them to meet their protein needs. This is partly because unprocessed foods are generally less dense in protein, a fact that paved the way for the so-called meat substitute industry, whose market share is growing,”. and that , ▶ 'The researchers concluded that textured soy protein (TSP) and plant-based protein supplements were the main ultra-processed products determining adequate protein intake for Brazilian vegans. 💥 But crucially, the lead researcher Hamilton Roschel states “Although they tend to be classified as ultra-processed products, TSP and protein supplements aren’t necessarily unhealthy, which can’t be said of ultra-processed products that contain high levels of fat, sugar, sodium, preservatives and artificial additives, for example.....TSP is an important source of protein and essential amino acids for vegans, even though it’s classified as ultra-processed. Ultra-processed products vary considerably in terms of formulation, and despite the consensus that they should generally be avoided, it isn’t reasonable to ignore the clear differences between them,”. The report is clear that it isn't making a carte-blanche case for all UPFs, but that sub-division within the category is needed - and particularly for more beneficial plant-based foods such as textured soy protein and plant-based protein supplements. 🚨 Why is this important? Because in an ideal world we'd all eat a wholefoods plant-rich diet. But in reality people take short-cuts, people are busy and/or they often don't believe they have the necessary cooking skills. So they resort to ready meals and quick prep time foods. So, if the case for healthier plant-based UPFs can be made, then they begin to form a key part of the new emerging food system we need to see - based on whole foods but with access to quick and accessible great tasting food as part of a healthy, sustainable and kinder diet.

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Highly recommend

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How will the EU’s Strategic Dialogue shape the future of agriculture and food systems? 🌍 I’m excited to invite you to the next online event of the European Sustainable Food Coalition (ESFC) for an insightful online discussion on this pivotal initiative, initiated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Hear directly from experts shaping policy and innovation in the EU’s food sector. 🗓️ Wednesday, 4th December at 3:30 - 5:00 PM CET Key Speakers & Panelists: 📌 Keynote by Marco Contiero (Greenpeace European Unit) Learn about the rationales, objectives, and outcomes of the EU’s Strategic Dialogue. 📌 Panel Discussion featuring: - Christel Delberghe (EuroCommerce): Advocating for sustainable business practices in retail and wholesale. - Faustine Bas-Defossez (European Environmental Bureau): Leading policy work on biodiversity, agriculture, and food systems. - Marco Contiero (Greenpeace European Unit): Expert in sustainable agriculture and EU environmental policy. - Marta Messa (Slow Food): Leading EU food policy and international partnerships. - Peter Strohschneider (European Commission - Chair of Strategic Dialogue): Bridging science, policy, and innovation. - Rocco Renaldi (FoodServiceEurope): Promoting sustainability in the food service industry. - And myself: As Co-Founder & CEO of inoqo and co-initiator of the European Sustainable Food Coalition 🎤 Moderator: @Sophie Erhart (ESFC Manager) Why Attend? Gain critical insights into the implications for producers, retailers, and food service providers. 👉 Register here: see link in my first comment below. #Sustainability #EUAgriculture #ESFC #FoodPolicy #SustainableFood #EU #Agriculture

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A game-changing announcement this week pushing the boundaries of potential benefit and revenue sharing with Indigenous Peoples with sovereign territories, Quilombolas, and traditional communities in a Brazilian Amazonian state that merits healing from layered histories of illegal land grabbing, exotic monocultures and theft of "certified" old growth timber for export. Looking foreward to see what comes next as the coalition of jurisdictional, like private, natural climate solutions investors and buyers eventually might include middle market family offices and businesses in and beyond these jurisdictions? How will this initiative further transform the worldwide possibilities of social inclusion led by indigenous and local community leaders on the frontlines of forest landscape healing for climate resilience and biodiversity? #naturalclimatesolutions #haltdeforestation #restore #benefitsharing #IPLC #landscapehealing #amazon

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"European food tech startups focused on climate change solutions attracted $2B in investments last year, overtaking the US for the first time. Despite a global downturn in VC funding, funding in this sector matched the levels of 2022, when European companies raised $2.1B." "European food tech startups focused on climate change solutions attracted $2B in investments last year, overtaking the US for the first time. Despite a global downturn in VC funding, funding in this sector matched the levels of 2022, when European companies raised $2.1B." Europe has surpassed the US in investments in foodtech startups for the first time, but this seems to be temporary. One reason is Europe's rightward shift and the gradually growing skepticism around the green agenda. Another reason is European regulation (surprise!), which hinders the development of #foodtech and #agtech startups... https://lnkd.in/gf7ragr3

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The European Union has published its proposed €200bn draft budget for 2025 with significant cuts to technology spending. The draft EU budget includes €13.5 billion for research and innovation, of which mainly €12.7 billion for Horizon Europe, the Union’s flagship research programme, down by €100m on 2024. With high inflation and financing subsidies to chip makers under the European Chips Act under Horizon Europe and through redeployment from other programmes, this is a significant cut in real terms for research projects.

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🌾 A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe? Yesterday marked a significant milestone as the European Commission unveils the final report from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. This report is set to be a cornerstone in shaping the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, which will be unveiled within the first 100 days of President von der Leyen’s second term. At Carlsberg Group, we’re supporting this transformative journey. Our focus? Accelerating the shift to regenerative agriculture—a powerful solution to some of today’s most pressing agri-food challenges. With the right policy frameworks, funding, and data mechanisms in place, the EU Commission has the potential to create an environment where sustainable practices can thrive. It’s crucial that we continue to recognize the importance of these practices in shaping the future of our food systems. Together with our partners, we’re committed to diving into the report’s recommendations and driving meaningful change towards a more sustainable future for agriculture. Let’s plant the seeds of change today for a greener, more resilient tomorrow! 🌾 #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #EUCommission #FutureOfAgriculture

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🌱 Join us for a free webinar on unlocking financial opportunities for your fermentation business! 🌿 Curious about securing funds for your fermentation ventures? Don't miss this event! The webinar will delve into diverse financing options vital for driving fermentation innovation. Research and development in fermentation hold immense promise for tackling global issues. However, navigating today's economic landscape for funding can be daunting. 🔗 Register here to explore the spectrum of funding possibilities: https://lnkd.in/dxNJ4AqS Get insights from industry experts and engage in interactive Q&A sessions. Don't miss this chance to unlock the full potential of your fermentation business! 🌾🔍 #Webinar #Fermentation #Innovation #FinanceOpportunities

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Unlocking Strategic Growth: The Critical Role of Corporate Affairs in Scale-Up Food Tech Enterprises In an era where food tech is not just an industry but a revolution, the role of corporate affairs cannot be overstated. For example during a call last week with a key leader in industrial biotechnology his role has been instrumental in navigating complex corporate landscapes, shaping the discourse around sustainable biotech solutions. The strategic pivot from traditional biotech to an emerging leader in synthetic biology illustrates the dynamic capabilities required to drive organizational success. In today’s competitive market, the unique blend of sustainability, crisis management, and internal communications is more than just support functions; they are integral to corporate strategy and development. Moving to a startup scale-up environment showcases the critical interface between corporate affairs and overall business growth, proving that strategic corporate affairs leadership is essential for navigating and leveraging market opportunities. As food tech businesses scale, they need leaders who can seamlessly integrate various disciplines within corporate affairs to forge robust, innovative pathways in industry shaping. Let’s champion the significance of these roles and recognize their impact on our journey towards a sustainable future. #FoodTech #CorporateAffairs #Leadership #Sustainability #BusinessStrategy #Biotechnology

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#Guinness Global spirits and beer company Diageo announced plans to invest over €100 million (USD$109 million) to decarbonize its flagship Guinness brewery, St. James’s Gate in Dublin, with a goal to transform the 264-year old site into one of the world’s most efficient breweries by 2030. According to Diageo, the announcement forms part of its 10-year sustainability program, ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.’ Launched in 2020, the initiative includes a series of 25 goals aimed at making a positive impact on the world by 2030, including targets to harness 100% renewable energy, to achieve net zero carbon emissions across direct operations, to work with suppliers to reduce indirect carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, as well as to ensure that its products are made with 30% less water usage, and to achieve a net positive water impact in key water stressed basins and communities. https://lnkd.in/dWTecsqj

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The lab grown proteins, meat and substitute products industry was doomed to fail from the get go… Not only is it ridiculously expensive to manufacture between the high tech equipment and the high labor costs, but the health implications of eating this Sci-FI protein are likely to be disastrous. I don’t think there’s a food on the market more ultra processed than fake meat, and we all know by now that these multi-national conglomerate food stuff companies are owned in large part by the tobacco industry who’s sole purpose existence is to enslave the consumers using their lab created, addictive food like products I’ve said it from day one and I say it today, eating fake food will make your health reality fake as well!! #eathealthy #culinarymedicine #chef #chefslife #bridgmed #eatwell #upf #uhpf #novascale #health #labgrownmeat #billgates #lifestylemedicine #toyourhealth #fakemeat

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A bit more than two years ago, a #fungal journey started. I had learned, some years prior to that, about the incredible potential of leveraging #fungi and this third kingdom of life to solve some of our most pressing #environmental challenges. With the backdrop of 13 years working for a more sustainable & regenerative transition globally from the seat of the financial system, I now knew I wanted to be at service in the #fungal ecosystem and help #catalyze and accelerate the incredible potential of more #fungalinnovations to solve some of our largest environmental challenges. So I ventured out, launched The Future is Fungi Award to honor and accelerate #frontier science & innovation and help build a global network and ecosystem across science, investors, corporates, startups and the wider innovation ecosystem to drive further fungal innovation. In the jury for the award, we had among other ETH Zurich, Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute, Stanford University and European Innovation Council. So many good people and organizations contributed along the way. To be an engine for fungal innovation, you also need to bring in capital to back scientists commercializing their science and startups paving their way. So I started to invest in and back fungi focused startups, and also launched The Fungi Investment Collective for angel investors, HNWI and family offices. Now, two years after, I am here at #IMC12 , the main mycology research congress that gathers more than 1400 scientists worldwide. The award has been asked to be part of opening the congress. This is a true honor, coming from an organization that gathers more than 30 000 mycologists worldwide and their coordinator (Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute is the only fungi only focused research institute in the world). Thank you for the invitation. I very much look forward to meeting the wider community and connect for further collaboration. We will also be organizing a session for aspiring science entrepreneurs, nudging them on their way. 🍄 My mission is even bigger that the award, organization and catalyzing capital to pioneering startups. In order to really be a global engine and catalyst for fungal innovation to transition to a more regenerative and prosperous system, we need to help these aspiring science entrepreneurs to go out and commercialize their gamechanging and breakthrough science into real world solutions. TBC. Not at least, this mission is done together with others - in partnership and collaboration, that is how we truly can drive big change. So if you are aligned on the journey ahead, get in contact and lets build the next fungal chapter 🍄 #fungi #mycelium #biotechnology #futurefit #regeneration #openimagination

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🍀 Be sure not to miss COREangels Food's 2nd Investment Committee, September 12 (6pm Lisbon Time)! 🤩 Led by Isabel Faria and Rui Falcao, COREangels Food focuses on impacting the Food Tech industry, and will therefore be presenting 4 up and coming startups from this sector! ✍ Check out Isabel Faria's post below to register your spot! #COREangels #COREangelsFood #AngelInvesting #Startups #FoodTech

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