ROTATES project

In “What Is the Multi-Actor Approach and Why It Matters for Innovation”, Tamara Kozic and Dr. Saša Štraus (ITC) explore how co-creation and collaboration make innovation more relevant and impactful.

👉 Read the article: rotates.eu/2026/01/21/w...

In “Hidden Underground: Why Root and Tuber Crops Matter”, Hanâ Chaïr (CIRAD, ROTATES) explores the resilience and potential of MRT crops in Europe.

👉 Read the article: rotates.eu/2026/01/19/h...

#ROTATES #CIRAD #MRTCrops #HorizonEurope

At ROTATES, we see pulses as small crops with a big impact 🌱 Packed with protein, vitamins & minerals, they improve soil, boost biodiversity, and support resilient, sustainable farming. Crop diversity = healthier soils, better diets, stronger agriculture 💚 #WorldPulsesDay

🔬 Within ROTATES, CREA analysed sweet potato leaves and roots to measure total dietary fibre. This work helps understand the nutritional value of minor root and tuber crops and supports their integration into sustainable European food systems.🌱
#ROTATES #HorizonEurope #CREAricerca #Agrobiodiversity

Discover the Inaugural ROTATES Newsletter on Agrobiodiversity Explore the debut edition of the ROTATES Newsletter featuring insights into agrobiodiversity, climate-resilient farming, and innovation.

🔗 Subscribe here: tinyurl.com/yh8us496

#ROTATES #HorizonEurope #Agrobiodiversity

@cirad.bsky.social @inrae-france.bsky.social @universitedeliege.bsky.social @enoll-network.bsky.social

✨ The first #ROTATES Newsletter is live!

Your quarterly update dedicated to Minor Root and Tuber (MRT) crops and their contribution to agrobiodiversity, climate-resilient farming systems, and innovation.

🌱Living Labs • Breeding Hubs • Case Studies • Partner updates

#ROTATES #RootAndTuberCrops #Agrobiodiversity #ClimateResilience #SustainableFarming #MRTCrops #FoodSystems #HorizonEU

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Through ROTATES, we explore how their underground strategies can support resilient, low-input and more sustainable farming systems.

That’s why these minor root and tuber crops are gaining attention in Europe.

Want to dive deeper?
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Tuber Tidbits #2 🌱

Did you know that root and tuber crops don’t just grow underground, they survive underground?

Sweet potato, yam, cassava and taro store energy below the soil, helping them cope with drought, heat and climate stress.

🤝ROTATES × PROSPER: a new partnership for crop diversification and resilient agri-food systems.
Together, we share a common vision: diversifying agriculture, strengthening value chains, enhancing farmer resilience & connecting biodiversity. Stronger collaboration means greater impact!

✨ ROTATES wishes you a bright and inspiring 2026!

A new year begins, bringing fresh opportunities to strengthen our collaborations, connect with our community and continue placing Minor Roots and Tuber at the forefront of our ambitions. Warmest wishes for a successful 2026 from the ROTATES team!

🌾2026 will bring new results, field activities & innovations with minor root and tuber crops.

Looking forward to growing together!

#ROTATES #HorizonEU #Agrobiodiversity #SustainableFarming

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🌱Seasonal greetings from ROTATES

Thank you to all our partners, farmers, researchers & pilot Living Labs for a year of collaboration and shared progress toward resilient, biodiverse agri-food systems.

@cirad.bsky.social @inrae-france.bsky.social @universitedeliege.bsky.social @enoll-network.bsky.social

In ROTATES, they bring:
🛠️ Practical support & advisory services
🔬 Experience in applied research & agrobiodiversity
🤝 Deep roots in the local farming community

Learn more about them here: acoeste.pt

#ROTATES #HorizonEU #ACOESTE #Madeira #Agrobiodiversity #SustainableFarming

🌱Partner spotlight: ACOESTE (Madeira, Portugal)

ACOESTE is a non-profit agricultural association supporting farmers on the west coast of Madeira through training, technical advice, and innovation🌍

Combined with genomics and field data, these spectra support early prediction models saving breeders a full season of
evaluation.

A step toward faster, smarter, climate-resilient yam improvement!

#ROTATES #CIRAD #Agrobiodiversity #NIRS #CropBreeding

🌱Predicting Yam Performance with Leaf Spectra?
Yes, we do!

The @cirad.bsky.social DEFI team in Guadeloupe is advancing ROTATES’ work by using leaf spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict yam performance before harvest.

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These crops support:
🌿Better soil structure
🪱More biodiversity
🌾Stronger rotations & agroecological practices
💧Increased resilience to climate stress

Healthy soils = healthier food systems.
Today we celebrate the ground that sustains us.

#WorldSoilDay #ROTATES #SoilHealth #Agroecology

🌱World Soil Day and why it matters for ROTATES

Our project works to improve soil health by integrating Minor Root & Tuber crops into diverse farming systems across Europe.

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In ROTATES, they contribute:
🧬Breeding expertise for sweet potato
🍠Work on yield, uniformity & disease tolerance
💧Research on varieties adapted to climate change

Learn more: www.groupethomasplants.com

#ROTATES #HorizonEU #ThomasPlants #PlantBreeding #AgroInnovation

🌱Partner spotlight: Thomas Plants

With over 30 years of expertise in vegetable seedling production, Thomas Plants is a key player supporting growers across France.

Their R&D division develops climate-resilient varieties, including new sweet potato lines tailored for European conditions.

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Want to dive deeper?
Join our community by subscribing to our newsletter: rotates.eu/newsletter/

#ROTATES #HorizonEU #AgroBiodiversity #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSystems #Resilience

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We aim to change that by:
✅Introducing MRT crops into farming systems across Europe
✅Developing agroecological practices to improve soil health and biodiversity
✅Establishing breeding hubs and clean seed systems
✅Creating new food and feed products

Drop a comment if you already knew this!

🌱Tuber Tidbits #1

Did you know that minor root and tuber (MRT) crops like sweet potato, yam, cassava and taro are still considered “minor” crops in Europe while they’re already very common in other countries?

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Accueil

In ROTATES, they contribute:
🌾Expertise in sustainable farming
🧪Interdisciplinary research on biodiversity and land use
🤝Strong links with industry and international partners

Learn more: www.gembloux.uliege.be

#ROTATES #HorizonEU #ULiège #SustainableAgriculture #Biodiversity

🌱Partner spotlight: Université de Liège – Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech & TERRA (Belgium)

As the bioengineering faculty of ULiège, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech and the TERRA research center focus on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and resilient ecosystems🌍

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