VALPRO Path Publishes New Scientific Papers on Machine Learning and Sustainable Food Ecodesign

VALPRO Path is driving innovation in sustainable food systems with two new scientific publications that apply AI and circular design strategies to legume production and plant-based foods.

These publications explore innovative digital and circular strategies to improve food system sustainability, from AI-based crop yield forecasting to low-impact product development, supporting VALPRO Path’s mission to enable data-driven, value-added pathways for legumes.

New Study on Predicting Yields with Interpretable Machine Learning

Name: “Interpretable Machine Learning for Legume Yield Prediction Using Satellite Remote Sensing Data”

Published in Applied Sciences | MDPI

This study investigates how satellite-based remote sensing, combined with field-level data, can be used to forecast legume crop yields using interpretable machine learning (ML) models. Unlike traditional black-box models, the approach used here explains which input variables (such as vegetation indices, temperature, and soil conditions) most affect the predicted outcomes.

Lead authors Theodoros Petropoulos, Lefteris Benos, Remigio Berruto, Gabriele Miserendino, Vasso Marinoudi, Patrizia Busato, Chrysostomos Zisis, and Dionysis Bochtis present a framework that enhances transparency and decision-making across the agri-food chain. The findings are particularly relevant for advancing precision farming and reducing uncertainty in legume production, key goals of the VALPRO Path project.

Research on Circular Ecodesign for a Legume-Based Vegan Burger

Name: “Ecodesign of a Legume-Based Vegan Burger: A Holistic Case Study Focusing on Ingredient Sourcing and Packaging Material”

Sustainability | MDPI

The second publication presents a comprehensive case study assessing the life cycle impacts of a vegan burger made from legume-based ingredients. Focusing on two main areas, ingredient sourcing and packaging, the research identifies key opportunities for reducing environmental impact through thoughtful product and process design.

Authors Tryfon Kekes, Fotini Drosou, Nived R. Nair, Milena Corredig, Christos Boukouvalas, Marco Berardo di Stefano, Vincenza Ruggiero, and Magdalini Krokida provide practical guidance for food manufacturers aiming to reduce carbon footprint and resource use. The study aligns with VALPRO Path’s commitment to ecodesign and circular economy models for plant-based foods.

Scientific Tools with Real-World Impact

Together, these publications reinforce the scientific foundation for VALPRO Path’s work transforming how legumes are grown, processed and consumed. By combining advanced AI techniques with life-cycle thinking, they contribute actionable solutions for reducing environmental impact across the agri-food system.

These studies also support wider EU sustainability goals under the Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy, helping build a resilient, low-input and circular food economy.

Learn how these innovations could shape the future of sustainable food production by reading the paper and following our updates X, LinkedIn and Facebook, and follow for more.