Introduction: TRADE4SD is a research initiative funded by Horizon Europe, aiming to explore the potential of international trade as a driver for sustainable development, particularly in the agriculture and food sectors. The project analyzes the interlinkages between trade, the environment, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby supporting the design of trade-related policies and experimental models to assist countries in building inclusive, sustainable, and fair value chains.

Key impacts:

• Clarifies the interconnections between agricultural trade and sustainable development objectives
• Calls for a shift in trade policies towards fairness and environmental friendliness
• Supports developing countries in improving their integration into global markets aligned with sustainability and social responsibility

Introduction: As a cross-sectoral project under Horizon 2020, VALUMICS aims to provide a deep understanding and improvement of the integrity of food value chains. This is achieved through analyzing chain structures, value distribution, power dynamics, and external factors affecting system balance. The project integrates advanced modeling, big data, and empirical research to support evidence-based policies for more sustainable food value chains.

Key impacts:

• Provides scientific evidence on imbalances and inequities in value distribution within food supply chains
• Supports the design of policies that promote transparency and fairness for all stakeholders
• Contributes to strengthening resilience and long-term sustainability of global food systems

Introduction: The Strength2Food project, under the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme, focuses on improving the sustainability and socio-economic performance of food systems by enhancing the effectiveness of quality food schemes (such as Geographical Indications – GIs) and public sector food procurement. The project combines quantitative and qualitative research to assess the impact of quality schemes on consumer behavior, producer income, and supply chain efficiency.

Key impacts:

• Strengthens the role of quality labels in improving farmers’ income and competitiveness of local agricultural products
• Contributes to the development of sustainable public procurement policies
• Promotes social awareness and responsible consumption of food and its origins

Introduction:The British Council Vietnam project is an innovative initiative linking Newcastle University (UK) and Vietnamese partners to promote value addition in agriculture, especially in the fresh fruit and vegetable sectors. The project integrates policy research and global value chain analysis to help improve the productivity, quality, and competitiveness of Vietnam’s agricultural products in international markets.

Key impacts:

• Promotes agricultural innovation: Supports direct engagement and adoption of precision technology to enhance production efficiency.
• Enhances value chain analysis: Helps identify bottlenecks and improve the added value of Vietnamese agricultural products.
• Facilitates evidence-based policy making: Provides insights into costs and benefits to guide effective policy design.
• Connects research and policy: Strengthens the link between academia, policy makers, and planners.
• Promotes green growth: Enhances quality, export value, and encourages environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.