CERERE was an EU Horizon 2020 thematic network fostering co-creation and knowledge exchange in relation to the re-introduction and greater use of heritage grains/cereals.
The AgILe lab developed the multi-actor approach for the thematic network, bringing together farmers, bakers, researchers, chefs, scientists, policy-makers and others across 13 countries. The lab development and rolled out capacity-building and interactive events within the consortium, bringing diverse actors together in innovative networking events. These events involved up to 1,000 participants and fostered collaborations that reintroduced heritage grain varieties into commercial use (e.g. in restaurants and breweries).
A unique and powerful driver in the creative process was the involvement of artists, who devised with social scientists innovative ways to spur interactions with diverse actors (social networking through Mind Meitheal), and developed installations (including in field trials of heritage grains) to draw the attention and spark the imaginations of diverse actors. The project exemplified living-lab principles by empowering and connecting diverse grassroots innovators in sustainable food systems, and facilitating their testing and development of commercial and cultural uses of heritage grains in diverse, real world contexts.
Growing Heritage Grains