SUSTAINCrop

SUSTAINCrop addresses the knowledge gap on the environmental impacts of primary agricultural crops used in industrial bio-based systems, directly contributing to the objectives of the Zero Pollution Action Plan. While crops such as rapeseed, sugar beet, hemp and flax are increasingly important for supplying sustainable biogenic carbon to the chemical, plastics and fibers industries, their environmental performance remains poorly characterised and fragmented across regions. The project will deliver a harmonised, science-based and stakeholder-validated framework for assessing sustainability criteria of primary crops, aligned with Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) and the EU Taxonomy. Through Knowledge Exchange Communities (KECs) in Europe and Latin America, SUSTAINCrop will co-create and validate a geo-referenced crop database, digital modelling framework and interactive dashboard for scenario-based impact assessment. By providing policy-relevant criteria, best practices and digital tools, SUSTAINCrop will enhance decision-making for farmers, industry and policymakers, improving the environmental performance of bio-based value chains in Europe and beyond.