Forging the Path
to Protein Sufficiency
From harnessing on-farm processes to creating business models, VALPRO Path aims to turn food-chain actors towards sustainable plant protein production.
Our mission is to pioneer fresh possibilities, validating and showcasing ways to enhance plant protein production for food and feed in the EU.
VALPRO Path business models
VALPRO Path business models focus on sustainable, locally sourced food innovations that support farmers and meet growing consumer demand for healthy, eco-friendly products. From plant-based burgers and beverages to legume pasta and crop optimisation tools, each model strengthens the value chain while reducing environmental impact. We create scalable solutions for consumers, producers and the agri-food industry through smart technology and strategic partnerships. These projects reflect our commitment to transparent, future-ready food systems.
Business model IPS1.1:
Production of plant-based burgers
- On-farm processing adds value for farmers by turning lentils and chickpeas into high-quality end-products like plant-based burgers.
- Value proposition: Fresh, local, plant-based burgers that support local agriculture and provide a fresher, more flavourful dining experience.
Business models: Direct-to-Consumer (D2C), subscription services and catering services.
Business model IPS2:
Varietal selection for different pedo-climatic regions
- Varietal selection boosts value by matching protein crops to regional conditions based on yield, quality, and resilience.
- Value proposition: A science-based tool to identify high-performing protein crop varieties suited to specific EU regions.
Business models: Subscription model, freemium model, pay-per-use, consulting services & non-profit model.
Business model 3.1:
Intercropping field peas and faba beans
- Intercropping peas and fava beans reduces lodging and boosts pea yield stability.
- Value proposition: A proven system offering higher, more stable yields for use in food and feed.
Business models: Subscription model, pay-per-consultation, freemium model & retainer-based model.
Business model 4.1:
The development of more informative labelling for plant protein foodstuffs
- Carbon and nutrient-tracked plant-based products use advanced technologies to create low-emission, high-value food prototypes (e.g., beverage, energy bar).
- Value proposition: Sustainable, locally sourced alternatives with strong nutritional and environmental credentials.
Business model: Wholesale and distribution model, private labelling model.
Business model 5.1:
Value added production of artisan legume-based pasta
- Lentil and chickpea flours enable nutritious, tasty pasta with strong sensory and nutritional profiles with demonstrated cross-regional collaboration in sourcing, processing and production.
- Value proposition: Sustainable, protein-rich legume pasta as a plant-based alternative to traditional options.
Business models: Direct-to-consumer (D2C) online sales, retail partnerships, farmers’ markets & pop-up shops, subscription boxes, B2B collaborations.
Business Models in Development:
- IPS1.2 business model: Developing the peanut industry in Europe
- IPS3.2 business model: Using pulse flours in confectionary products
- IPS4.2 business model: Development of a nutrient tracking tool
- IPS5.2 business model: Hermetic bagging systems to enable cross regional applications for plant proteins
- IPS5.3 business model: Technologies that allow localised processing of plant proteins
VALPRO Path’s Full Circle
DEMONSTRATE
Running 5 multi-stakeholder ‘living lab’ Innovation Production Systems (IPSs) with strong industry involvement delivering value for industry, market & society
TRANSFORM
Applying multi-criteria mathematical modelling & optimization approach, integrated Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, sophisticated data acquisition protocol and sustainable crop rotation planning models
CO-CREATE
Delivering 10+ circular value-chain business models tailormade for IPSs co-created with multi-actor approach
The current European plant-protein landscape is flawed. Heightened societal awareness of the environmental impact of consuming animal-based protein is driving the public’s awareness of alternative, sustainable sources of dietary protein. Yet, production systems are focused heavily on the production offered stock for direct transfer into animal sectors in an attempt to counter the European over-dependency on imported feed. In essence, there is an absence of premium supply chains, with farmers missing out on added-value opportunities that exist within the crops they already grow across Europe. VALPRO Path is focused on changing this, with an ambition to co-design novel value propositions that support farming systems to meet Farm-to-Fork strategic objectives.
Dr. Ewen Mullins | Head of Crop Science Department at Teagasc and VALPRO Path Project Coordinator
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OUR PARTNERS
Project Coordination:
Dr. Ewen Mullins
Head of Crop Science Department at Teagasc and VALPRO Path Project Coordinator
Oak Park, Carlow R93 XE12, Ireland
ewen.mullins@teagasc.ie
Project Communication:
Prof. Dr. Mladen Radišić
CEO, Foodscale Hub
foodscalehub.com
Trg Dositeja Obradovića 8
21000 Novi Sad,
SERBIA
mladen@foodscalehub.com
VALPRO Path project is co-funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee.