A European project to unlock the potential of horticultural residues
Funded by the Interreg North-West Europe (NWE) Programme, VALORANT addresses a key challenge for the agri-food sector: how to better valorise horticultural residues and transform them into valuable resources.
Large volumes of residues from fruits, vegetables and flowers remain underused across Europe. The VALORANT project aims to change this by developing innovative solutions to recover high-value compounds, such as polyphenols, and by implementing cascade valorisation pathways. These approaches will contribute to a more circular and resource-efficient bioeconomy.
A first meeting to align vision and activities
During the kick-off meeting, partners had the opportunity to lay the foundations for the project and align on the next steps.
Over the two days, the consortium:
- presented each organisation and its expertise
- introduced the different work packages and planned activities
- discussed the first steps towards project implementation
This initial exchange was key to building a shared understanding of the project’s objectives and ensuring effective collaboration from the outset.
Insights from the Interreg NWE Programme
The consortium also welcomed Vincent Hagneré, Project Officer from the Interreg North-West Europe Programme. His intervention provided valuable insights into the programme framework, as well as expectations for project implementation in the coming years.
This session helped partners better understand the strategic context of VALORANT and the key elements for a successful project.
Discovering research facilities in Geel
The meeting concluded with a visit to the research infrastructures in Geel. Participants had the opportunity to discover the facilities that will support several project activities, particularly in the field of biomass valorisation and processing.
This visit provided a concrete overview of the technical environment in which part of the project will be implemented.
A strong start for a collaborative project
With a committed partnership and a shared ambition, VALORANT is now officially underway. The project partners look forward to working together to develop and implement sustainable solutions for the valorisation of agricultural residues across North-West Europe.
