The 3rd annual Training webinar for new SCAR Working Groups and Task Forces members has been held on 8 June 2026, following the two previous similar events, held on 8 July 2025 and on 18 September 2024 respectively.
The webinar was followed by nearly 40 people from a wide range of countries, with participation of experts who recently joined the SCAR groups, together with more experienced members and experts who also joined the event. SCAR’s objectives and structure were explained to the participants, with a short description of each group. The updated 2026 version of the 'Induction Package', a user-friendly guide to familiarize with the SCAR environment first issued in 2024 and downloadable from the SCAR website...
New report: “An Assessment Framework for Food Systems Sustainable Transitions and Transformations” by Christophe Béné.
The study proposes a holistic governance framework to help countries assess and accelerate sustainable food-system change. It identifies 17 guiding principles covering leadership, coordination, accountability, learning, innovation, and societal values, and offers a practical tool to evaluate policies across agenda setting, design, and implementation.
The report highlights...
On 29 May 2026, experts from research, policy and practice gathered for the 7th RefreSCAR “Spotlight On” webinar titled “Healthy Soils for Europe: Research, Policy and Living Lab Innovations for Sustainable Land Management”.
The webinar addressed the growing challenges of soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate pressures, highlighting the critical role of healthy soils in supporting resilient ecosystems, sustainable food systems, and climate action across Europe. Discussants explored...
In February, the European Commission hosted an on-line workshop to discuss R&I strategic approaches related to the agri-food system.
The workshop had over 70 participants of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR), including SCAR delegates, SCAR working group chairs and co-chairs, and the European Commission.
A summary of the workshop has now been published and can be viewed here.
📣 The fourth and the final SCAR-Engage Call for Expression of Interest is now open!
We are pleased to announce that the fourth round of the SCAR-Engage Programme is officially underway. It aims to support new members in the SCAR Working Groups/Task Force (WGs/TF) and to strengthen national visibility across the European R&I landscape. The purpose is simple: to help new members - particularly from countries that are less represented - gain the knowledge, support, and connections they need to...
Save the Date | 7th RefreSCAR "Spotlight On…” Webinar Series:
"Healthy Soils for Europe: Research, Policy and Living Lab Innovations for Sustainable Land Management"
Soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate pressures increasingly require coordinated action at regional and international levels.
This webinar will explore how research, policy and innovative land management practices can contribute to healthier soils and more resilient ecosystems across Europe.
Join...
Join us on 21st May for the SCAR Insights Webinar Series:
"Into the Deep with SCAR Fish - SCAR FISH’s role in supporting aquatic food systems"
How is Europe shaping the future of aquatic food systems? Find out at this free online session where the SCAR Fish Working Group will share its latest activities, priorities, and opportunities for collaboration.
Programme highlights:
📌 Introduction to the SCAR Fish Working Group with co-chairs Andrea Marsella and Friedrich Wilhelm Köster
📌 Presentation...
The EU produces less than a third of the protein-rich feed its livestock sector needs. The rest? Imported, largely from a handful of countries, mostly as soybean meal. This dependency creates real risks: price volatility, geopolitical exposure and environmental damage abroad.
A new report "R&I for Alternative Protein Sources towards Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability in EU Protein Production", from the SCAR Protein Task Force, takes stock of where European research and innovation stands...
‘R&I for alternative protein sources: towards strategic autonomy and sustainability in EU protein production’
The SCAR Protein Task Force (TF) is currently preparing a Policy Report titled “R&I for Alternative Protein Sources: Towards Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability in EU Protein Production.” To inform this work, the TF commissioned this Portfolio Analysis (PA) of projects focused on alternative protein sources for food and feed. The analysis aims to map...