The transition to sustainable food systems faces multiple challenges. One major hurdle is meeting the growing global demand for protein, while there is need to address both malnutrition and overconsumption. Reducing the environmental impact of animal-based protein and improving the health benefits of plant-based alternatives remain important goals. Limited diffusion of innovations and disparities in investment and governmental support for plant protein research further complicate progress.

Excel4Pro is a 4-year EU funded project aiming to transform the agri-food sector by supporting cross-border collaboration and stimulating scientific excellence in Türkiye, Greece and Ukraine. Through strategically leveraging the location and scale of protein rich crop production and processing, Excel4Pro creates a single, interconnected, cross-border Excellence Hub that boosts plant-based protein ecosystems, drives innovation and provides sustainable food products.