DIVERSICROP brings together a dynamic network of researchers and stakeholders across Europe, working to support the diversification of cropping systems through an interdisciplinary approach. By combining expertise in crop science, genetic diversity, human nutrition, and policy, the initiative promotes diverse cropping as a foundation for environmental sustainability, healthy diets, and food security.
The Action specifically addresses three key challenges:
- Enabling future engagement with underutilised crops such as rye, peas, and chickpeas;
- Improving biodiversity and agricultural resilience in response to climate change;
- Enhancing sustainable food production across Europe.
At the UM, and serve as Management Committee representatives within the COST Action (CA). Together with , a Research Support Officer working under their supervision, they are contributing to an international study titled ‘Consumer attitudes and interest in underutilized crops.’ The project explores public perceptions and awareness of lesser-known crop varieties, including within Malta, with the aim of informing strategies to reintroduce crop diversity into European food systems.
This study is just one part of the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition’s wider involvement in DIVERSICROP. As active members of the CA’s interdisciplinary Working Groups, our team has contributed to various aspects of the initiative since its launch and remains engaged as the CA reaches its midpoint. Through this collaborative research, the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition is making a tangible contribution toward advancing food systems that are not only environmentally sound, but also nutritionally rich and culturally relevant, both locally and across Europe.
