MyMatch engagement and participatory process: exploitation of FSOLabs approach
Following the participatory process implemented in the FS4EU project, CNR ISPA and the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM are applying the methodology in the HEurope MyMatch project, which addresses the climate challenge and food safety.
Coordinated by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Piacenza (UCSC) , the Horizon Europe project focuses on the impact that climate change can have on the development of fungi producing toxic substances, mycotoxins, developing solutions for their management along the supply chain.
EU Food Safety Platform supports UCSC and the broader project consortium, leveraging its stakeholder engagement methodology and experience in multi-actor collaboration within the food safety sector, by involving different actors in the food supply chain and conducting co-creation cycles.
Multi-actor approach framework and stakeholder engagement
MyMatch is establishing tailored strategies to foster genuine engagement and involvement of stakeholders, both at the individual and organizational level, through mapping and identifying key actors across the food system (farmers, food industries, policymakers, and consumers), ensuring representation and diversity from the earliest stages, assessing stakeholder expectations, needs, and concerns, with close attention to their socio-demographic, cultural, and psychological characteristics.
Based on the MyMatch Stakeholder Engagement Methodology, a dedicated Food System Stakeholder Engagement Plan provides a systematic, adaptable framework to guide the MyMatch consortium in the planning, execution, and monitoring of effective engagement actions throughout the project.
A Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) brings together representatives from all identified stakeholder groups. The SAB plays a pivotal consultative role, providing feedback to ensure that project activities and results meet societal, policy, and environmental needs.
Collaborative Actions under the CNR Terms of Reference (ToR)
The EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM is contributing to the map and identification of stakeholders by providing background material and facilitating contacts with stakeholders within the platform.
In the project, the Task 3.4 – guided by CNR – is dedicated to Engaging collaborations with the FS4EUplatform
– MYMATCH Food System Stakeholder Engagement
To initiate and strengthen collaboration, in 2024 at the Kick-off Meeting, the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM and MyMatch formalized cooperation with the signing of a Terms of Reference (ToR). This agreement sets the groundwork for drawing the comprehensive MYMATCH food system view and organizing participatory stakeholder engagement:
- A dedicated Task Force was established to plan and co-design joint engagement initiatives, leveraging the EU Food Safety Platform’s consolidated methodology and proven expertise in multi-actor food system dialogues;
- EU Food Safety Platform appointed the MYMATCH Coordinator prof. Paola Battilani as a member of the management board, thus formalizing leadership and strategic guidance for the collaboration.
Updating the MYMATCH Food System View: Stakeholder Co-Creation
To ensure that the MYMATCH Food System view encompasses diverse and complementary perspectives—including food safety agencies, and other key actors—CNR and the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM will lead a series of three Food Safety Co-creation cycles. These cycles are designed to foster participatory engagement, drawing on the platform’s experience and methodology, by including:
- Interviews with stakeholders across the food supply chain and adjacent sectors.
- Surveys to systematically capture expectations, concerns, and knowledge gaps.
- Participatory workshops for collaborative dialogue and solution development.
In these co-creation activities, CNR and the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM will propose and refine central topics relating to mycotoxin contamination and overall food safety:
- Assessing stakeholder perceptions and concerns regarding mycotoxin contamination, particularly in the context of climate change.
- Building awareness of mycotoxin monitoring tools and promoting strategies for prevention and management of risks,
Finally, they will translate workshop findings into policy recommendation, include them in project final results, and share the key findings within the EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM community.
Team
Guendalina Graffigna
WP3 Leader
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – Mind Engagement Hub
Veronica Lattanzio
Research Leader
CNR ISPA – EU FOOD SAFETY PLATFORM
Nunzia Cito
Proejct Expert
