From June 2 to 4, 2025, Cartagena (Spain) hosted the kick-off meeting of the FUSION project, a consortium dedicated to reducing fruit and vegetable loss and waste across the Mediterranean region. The event brought together 17 partners from eight countries -Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan- to launch the project, share expertise, and plan activities for the coming years.
A Start Built on Collaboration
The meeting began with a warm welcome from project coordinator Encarna Aguayo Giménez and UPCT representatives, highlighting the importance of cooperation and innovation for the success of FUSION.
Each partner had the chance to introduce their organization and role within the project, emphasizing the diversity of experience and expertise that will contribute to the consortium’s objectives.
Technical and financial sessions were also held to align partners on monitoring procedures, EU funding management, and administrative best practices, laying the foundation for transparent and efficient collaboration.
Defining Work Packages and Responsibilities
A central part of the kick-off was the presentation of FUSION’s eight Work Packages (WPs), covering everything from technology development to training, communication, and sustainability:
Good Practices & Training: developing interactive, practical materials for farmers and distributors.
Technology Demonstrations: showcasing innovations for post-harvest handling and preservation.
Sustainability & Future Exploitation: planning long-term impact and scalability of results.
Communication & Networking: ensuring knowledge and innovations reach all relevant stakeholders.
These sessions allowed partners to clarify roles, establish timelines, and align strategies, ensuring coordinated progress across all work packages.
Hands-On Learning and Field Visits
The kick-off also included technical visits to key agricultural facilities, where partners could observe crops and post-harvest practices first-hand.
Highlighted activities included:
Tours of bell pepper greenhouses and Sakata facilities.
Presentations on plant breeding and production processes.
Analysis of local transport and storage practices to identify challenges and innovation opportunities.
These activities combined practical learning with collaborative workshops, reflecting the project’s approach: solutions that are effective and tailored to the real needs of Mediterranean farmers.
A Strong Start for a Shared Vision
The Cartagena kick-off marked a promising start for the FUSION project, bringing partners together around a common goal: reducing food loss and waste, improving product quality, and strengthening the Mediterranean agri-food sector.
With innovative technologies, specialized training, and a clear action plan, the consortium is ready to turn ambition into tangible results over the coming years.
