Poznań, 27 November 2024 – The University of Life Sciences in Poznań (PULS) officially launched the Polish Innovation Hub (IH), one of six established in the international Food4CE project, coordinated by the University of Maribor. The innovation hub aims to strengthen short food supply chains and promote sustainable logistics solutions for local food systems in Poland.
The event focused on addressing “Sustainable logistics solutions in local food supply chains”. Alternative Food Networks play a key role in connecting local suppliers and end customers. Their goal is to optimize logistics processes in a sustainable way, introduce digital tools and implement modern agricultural and logistics practices. The growing demand for locally produced food opens up space for growth, innovation and new opportunities. The Food4CE project supports these efforts by focusing on logistics cooperation, digitalization and distribution systems.
The Polish Innovation Hub is one of five locally established hubs, which will operate in Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Poland. These hubs will focus on enhancing the efficiency of local food networks by sharing best practices in logistics and digitalization.
The event featured presentations from key contributors and highlighted the purpose and tools of the Innovation Hub, including the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP) and the Matchmaking Platform (MP). These platforms are central to fostering collaboration, improving logistics, and building stronger connections within local food networks.
Key highlights from the event
Alina Nowotarska, PULS Project Communications Manager, opened the meeting, followed by Karol Wajszczuk, PULS Project Coordinator, who detailed the hub’s mission and its focus on enhancing short food supply chains.
Several external experts then shared their knowledge on innovative approaches to local food supply and logistics.
Andrzej Lisiecki, employee of the Swadzim Experimental Farm, belonging to the Poznań University of Life Sciences, presented the ecological breeding of the Złotnicka pig, a rare breed known for its sustainable breeding practices. The farm manager presented the history of its creation and the main issues concerning the production and supply of meat products. Emphasis was also given to the logistical challenges of meat distribution and innovative solutions for product delivery.
Ilia Lashkov, representative of the start-up SalatiX Sp. Z. o.o., presented a fully automated production plant for high-protein salads based on mungo beans. The start-up process encompasses cultivation, harvesting, packaging and retail distribution, with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Emil Żerebiło, deputy director of the Food Bank of Piła discussed the role of food banks in reducing waste and optimising the use of resources, using the food bank of Pilsen as an example, a virtuous case of effectively shortening the supply chain, minimising losses and utilising resources. The presentation also outlined strategies to minimise food surpluses, improve logistical efficiency and create sustainable distribution models.
The launch of the Polish IH sets the stage for further collaboration. The first live meeting of the Polish Innovation Hub Council at PULS is planned for December 2024, where stakeholders will gather to refine strategies and discuss future developments.
The Polish Innovation Hub will be active virtually on Mondays, from 12:00 to 14:00, and on Wednesdays, from 10:00 to 12:00. The contact person in charge of the innovation hub is Alina Nowotarska: alina.nowotarska@up.poznan.pl
Additional information:
University of Life Sciences in Poznań (PULS)
Contact person for the Innovation Hub: Alina Nowotarska
Telephone: +48 61 8487110
E-mail: alina.nowotarska@up.poznan.pl
Web page of the project: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/food4ce/
Web page of KTP: https://www.openenlocc.net/food4ce/