DEFENSEFOOD

The DEFENSEFOOD project aims to enhance the resilience of the EU food supply chain against chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) threats, ensuring robust preparedness, rapid response, and effective recovery. This comprehensive approach addresses critical areas of threat management, fostering cross-border collaboration, technological innovation, and capacity building to protect public health, bolster economic stability, and secure food systems. The project’s structured strategy, encompassing seven interconnected work packages (WPs), ensures a full spectrum response from anticipation to post-crisis learning and communication. WP1 focuses on proactive anticipation and prevention by leveraging horizon scanning, predictive tools, AI, and real-time data to monitor potential disruptions and strengthen preparedness. WP2 enhances rapid detection using advanced laboratory techniques and both targeted and untargeted analyses to swiftly identify contaminants, reducing response times. WP3 implements impact mitigation and recovery measures by establishing effective containment protocols and outlining strategies for rapid operational restoration, minimising public health and supply chain disruptions. WP4 promotes continuous learning and adaptation, integrating lessons from past incidents to bolster future resilience. WP5 advances knowledge management and communication through user-friendly decision-support tools that disseminate best practices and strategic recommendations across the supply chain. WP6 focuses on training and capacity building, equipping public and private stakeholders with essential skills via workshops, training sessions, and simulation exercises, fostering coordination and preparedness. WP7 ensures cohesive project management, aligning WPs, optimising resources, and achieving milestones. It oversees governance and scientific coordination through consistent monitoring, ethics considerations, and advisory board facilitation.