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HCC is responsible for writing the communication, dissemination, and exploitation plan for the VISIONARY project. We also coordinate the Romanian case studies in Work Package 4, focusing on innovative concepts such as Local Gastronomic Points and small producers. In addition, HCC leads the project’s efforts to strengthen the skills of the next generation of researchers. As coordinator of Task 6.5 on Early Career Researchers (ECRs), we are responsible for designing and coordinating activities that strengthen the capacity of young researchers, creating opportunities for learning, exchange, and collaboration across disciplines and countries.
HCC plays a leading role in coordinating Science-Policy Interfaces (SPIs) in Romania, with two flagship case studies in Brașov. Through the Farmers’ Markets SPI, we bring together producers, cooperatives, consumers, local authorities, and NGOs to co-create pathways of change that strengthen the role of farmers’ markets in building a resilient local food system. In parallel, the Local Gastronomic Points (LGPs) SPI explores the long-term sustainability of this innovative business model, assessing its socio-economic impact on small producers, consumer perceptions, and the conditions needed for authentic upscaling. By convening diverse stakeholders and facilitating structured dialogue, HCC ensures that local voices directly shape strategies for sustainable food systems in Romania.
HCC leads the capacity-building for early-career researchers (ECRs) in the VISIONARY project, equipping young scientists with the skills to engage meaningfully with stakeholders. In May 2024, we hosted an interactive workshop in Brașov that combined case study visits, communication training, and visual facilitation to help participants translate complex research into accessible language, manage dialogue with diverse actors, and grow as confident facilitators. Building on this, we launched a series of nine monthly webinars in 2025, co-developed with ECRs, covering topics such as food systems, EU policy frameworks, and multi-stakeholder engagement. By blending our communication expertise, case study leadership, and training activities, HCC ensures that VISIONARY delivers both immediate impact and long-term value for research, policy, and practice.
HCC took the lead in designing the project’s Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Plan. Drawing on our expertise in strategic communication, we developed a framework that ensures project results are translated into clear messages, reach the right audiences, and generate long-term impact. This plan, now being implemented by FiBL and GNF, guides all outreach and exploitation activities, from online content and stakeholder engagement to the promotion of practical outcomes.
VISIONARY investigates Europe’s food systems, asking key questions: What is preventing us from making the transition to more sustainable food systems? How can these bottlenecks be overcome? What policy and business changes are needed to promote sustainable farming practices?
The importance of reconsidering European food systems in a global context was highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic when it became clear that the global food supply chain is prone to failure in the face of shocks. Current food systems suffer from the overuse of chemicals in food production, monoculture systems and the negative environmental impact of intensive livestock farming on land and at sea, leading to soil degradation and a negative impact on water and biodiversity. Substantial change in the food system is urgently needed to make agriculture more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable.
Funding program: H2020-RIA-Research and innovation action
Project number: 101060538
Period: 1 September 2022-31 August 2026
HCC key persons: Raluca Barbu, Cătălina Rogozan
Key words: #SustainableAgriculture #InterGenerationalEquity #EnvironmentallyFriendlyPractices
Resources: https://visionary-project.eu/
