IntercropVALUES is a European research project focused on promoting intercropping—the practice of growing multiple crops together—to create more resilient, sustainable, and profitable agricultural systems. Three years have passed since the project was launched in November 2022 in Montpellier, France, and the work of all participants is now bearing its first fruits.
Edinburgh was chosen to host the third annual consortium meeting, held from October 1 to 3, 2025. More than 65 researchers and project managers gathered to share findings, address challenges, and plan the final year of the project. Representatives from the European Research Executive Agency, which manages the program, also joined the meeting to monitor progress.
The two-and-a-half-day meeting was organized by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). Christine Watson, Professor of Agricultural Systems at SRUC, opened the meeting with an overview of the institution, highlighting its history, infrastructure, and international reach. SRUC has multiple campuses, research centers, and consultancy services, with strong expertise in genetics, animal health, and sustainability. She shared insights with participants from 15 countries across Europe, Africa, and China, including data from the Scottish agricultural census on crops, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as policy issues such as the Organic Plan 2025.
Following this introduction, and under the coordination of Eric Justes (Agricultural Research Centre for International Development, CIRAD), the project team focused on scientific dissemination, policy engagement, and planning for the final year. On the first day, workshops explored strategies to overcome barriers to intercropping and expand its adoption in value chains. Nutritional and biochemical analyses of intercropped wheat and legumes were presented, highlighting changes in micronutrient profiles. A sensory test was conducted with project participants to evaluate cookies made with varying proportions of wheat and lentil flour. Four cookie prototypes were tasted, each with increasing levels of lentil flour, and rated using a structured questionnaire. The workshop aimed to identify the tipping point where taste meets nutrition without compromising consumer satisfaction. The ingredients remained the same (flour, butter, eggs, sugar), except for the legume component. These results, to be complemented by a broader panel, will guide future food innovation in sustainable legume-based products.
The second day focused on a meta-analysis of experimental results, value chain development strategies, and advanced imaging techniques for flour authentication. Participants visited a cereal farm to explore real-world applications and stakeholder perspectives. Mungoswells Farm, a 550-acre working farm in East Lothian, is renowned for its locally milled flours. This family-run farm emphasizes traceability and sustainable production. Its on-site mill processes farm-grown cereals and offers organic and conventional flours, including spelt and rye. With 40% of its land certified organic, the farm integrates nature conservation into its operations. As part of the program, a visit to Glenkinchie Distillery provided insights into the history and process of whisky making—from field to glass. Both visits served as case studies and opportunities to explore how agricultural practices and land use intersect with local food and beverage production, the barriers and opportunities for integrating intercropping into existing value chains, and insights into land management, sustainability, and regional identity relevant to both agriculture and food system innovation.
The third day focused on dissemination and exploitation of results and preparations for final conferences. Time was also dedicated to discussing the gender approach within the project. Partners emphasized the need for transformative and gender-sensitive approaches in agricultural programs. Policies that ignore or are gender-neutral risk reinforcing inequalities and the invisibility of marginalized roles. Creating safe spaces and integrating gender at all decision-making levels were key conclusions.
The meeting strengthened collaboration and set the roadmap for final activities. In 2026, academic and applied results will be shared with stakeholders across the value chain through two conferences and eleven dissemination events in countries where co-innovation case studies are being conducted. In January 2026, a one-week postdoctoral course on intercropping will be held at Wageningen University (Netherlands).
More About the Project
The European Commission funds IntercropVALUES through the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme. It has a project website and several social media channels where anyone interested can find more information about its activities and results.
Navarre’s Participation in the Project
The consortium is made up of 27 different entities, including the Navarre-based consultancy INICIATIVAS INNOVADORAS, which is responsible for communication and coordination support, and the public company INTIA, which is developing a co-innovation case study in horticulture at the farm level, identifying barriers to the implementation and development of intercropping, and conducting workshops with the sector.