Fostering Rural Innovation and Sustainability with GREENCOOP

Rural areas cover 83% of EU territory and face critical socio-economic challenges, with nearly 20 million hectares at high risk of abandonment by 2030. This is driven by aging populations, youth outmigration, low social inclusion, and a lack of viable rural business models, resulting in land degradation, biodiversity loss, and declining food and water security. Funded by Horizon Europe, the Green Transition Cooperation for the Integration of Rural Innovation-Based Business and Production Models (GREENCOOP) project aims to develop and implement innovative Rural Community Business Models (RCBMs) that integrate Agroecology and Digital Innovations (ADIs). GREENCOOP will establish an International Rural Innovation Business Community Network (RIBC-Net) with 15 EU and 3 Chinese Living Labs (LLs) to co-create and test six ADI-driven strategies: energy supply, nutrient management, weed control, landscape connectivity, water security, and value chain optimization. The project will promote bio- and circular economies, improve labor conditions, and create quality jobs. By enhancing environmental sustainability and rural vitality, GREENCOOP seeks to combat land abandonment and reinforce food security. This communication presents the initial ADIs to be implemented in selected EU and Chinese regions