The European project BIOPRO REGIONS– Bio & Proximity Products Regions was officially launched in Guimarães, Portugal on May 27–28, 2025 marking the beginning of a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing sustainability in the agri-food sector across Europe. The Nicosia Development Agency (ANEL) participates as one of the eight partners working together to promote local products, supply chains and environmentally friendly practices.
For the first time, the Intermunicipal Community of Ave (CIM do Ave) is leading a European cross-border cooperation project with the goal of strengthening local food systems by promoting short supply chains, local products and environmentally sustainable practices.
Funded by the Interreg Europe programme, BIOPRO REGIONS brings together eight partners from seven European countries – Cyprus, France, Sweden, Hungary, Lithuania, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The kickoff meeting included strategic discussions, study visits to successful local initiatives such as “A Leira Dela” and “Hortas do Minho” and culinary experiences highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
The project aligns with the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, aiming to strengthen policies that support organic farming, circular economy principles and local resilience.
In the next steps, partners will collaborate to develop a shared methodology and regional action plans to facilitate the exchange of good practices and tailor policy improvements to the needs of each region.
As Marta Coutada, First Secretary of CIM do Ave stated: “This is more than just the start of a European project – it is a firm commitment to the future of our regions and the planet through strengthening local value chains that promote environmental, economic and social sustainability.”
BIOPRO REGIONSlays the foundation for a new era of interregional cooperation in the European agri-food sector based on sustainability and innovation. Through this collaboration ANEL is actively involved with the aim of gaining valuable knowledge and experience, strengthening the local economy and promoting innovative practices that support producers of organic and local products for a more sustainable future.
