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Medacornet

A cross-Mediterranean initiative enhancing food sustainability through innovative acorn-based products, promoting health, biodiversity, and regional value chains. It supports gluten-free, plant-based diets while revitalizing a traditional ingredient with modern technology and scientific validation.

Year
2023 - Now
Industry
Climate Change Surveillance
Status
In Progress
Website
Website Link
Website Link
Leading Applied Innovation
Shaping the Future of the Mediterranean Diet with Acorns
[ SUPPORTED BY ]
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Mediterranean Collaboration for Sustainable Nutrition

An integrated consortium of 11 institutions from 8 Mediterranean countries has come together to promote the adoption of acorns as a healthy and sustainable ingredient within the Mediterranean diet. This alliance is composed of renowned leaders in scientific research, agriculture, biotechnology, digital innovation, and territorial sustainability.

Thanks to their complementary areas of expertise, the team ensures the effective execution of innovative activities throughout the value chain, from forest to fork.

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Health, Sustainability and Digital Food Futures

In response to evolving dietary trends and growing ecological awareness, the project explores new food possibilities tailored for:

  • General consumers
  • Individuals with gluten-related disorders
  • Vegetarian and vegan populations
  • Those prioritizing well-being and environmental impact

The acorn-based alternatives are rich in essential nutrients, naturally gluten-free, and suited to the demand for low-impact, plant-based foods.

The consortium also leverages digital platforms and smart traceability systems to connect every step of the production chain and ensure transparency, accessibility, and innovation in food distribution.

Objetives

In response to the growing need for sustainable and health-driven food systems, this initiative aims to transform the role of acorns in the Mediterranean diet through an integrated approach based on innovation, environmental responsibility, and nutritional excellence.

The project pursues the following objectives:

  • Promote adherence to the Mediterranean diet through innovative acorn-based foods.  
  • Establish a robust and scalable value chain for acorn-derived ingredients.
  • Support local producers and processors across the Mediterranean.
  • Generate scientific and nutritional data to guide policy and dietary guidelines.  
  • Encourage food sovereignty through short, circular, and local value chains.  
  • Explore acorn by-product reuse in nutraceutical and bioeconomic applications.

These goals align with the European PRIMA programme’s mission to facilitate the transition towards healthy and sustainable dietary behaviours, and reflect a broader vision of food as a vehicle for climate action, public health, and regional empowerment.

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[ INSIGHTS ]

Tutorial: Masked Portfolio Splitscreen Scroll Animation

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Seen at: https://pioneer-portfolio.webflow.io

Technologies Used

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for acorn yield monitoring and anomaly detection.
  • Neural Networks to classify land cover and map native oak forests.
  • Advanced Data Analytics to extract insights from agri-environmental datasets.
  • Geospatial Intelligence for monitoring and forecasting ecosystem conditions.
  • Digital Traceability Systems to ensure transparency and quality across the value chain.

    • Key Results

  • Geospatial inventory of acorn-producing forests in the Mediterranean using high-resolution imagery and AI models.
  • Validated maps showing Quercinae species distribution at polygonal and plot level.
  • Predictive models for acorn yield, based on AI, forest coverage, and climate history.
  • Mapped value chain of Mediterranean acorns, including key actors and trends.
  • Database of acorn-based food products tied to Mediterranean dietary practices.
  • Open-access datasets and tools shared through Horizon 2020 Open Research Data Pilot.

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    Impact

  • Repositioning acorn as a Mediterranean superfood supporting nutrition and sustainability.
  • Supporting biodiversity by linking oak conservation to economic value.
  • Empowering rural producers by integrating them into a sustainable value chain.
  • Strengthening regional food identity rooted in tradition and culture.
  • Advancing data-driven agroforestry through GeoAI tools and analytics.
  • Promoting cross-border cooperation for sustainable agri-food systems in the Mediterranean.
    • [ VIDEO ]
    Collaborators
    [ in collaboration with ]
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