The “Bio Hub” innovation focuses on developing and activating a local network that connects organic producers with restaurants and other food professionals, with the aim of improving the sourcing and distribution of organic products across the Verona territory.
During the project, the Bio-Hub is being developed as both a network and a digital tool. It will support direct ordering, improve communication, and help align what farmers produce with what restaurants need. Solutions for logistics and distribution along the value chain are already being tested.
This work responds to a fragmented system, where cooperation is limited, producers often lack stable and diversified market opportunities, while restaurants depend on large distributors and face added complexity when working with smaller producers. The Living Lab addresses these challenges by strengthening relationships, encouraging exchange, and creating a shared framework for collaboration. A key focus is to clearly demonstrate the benefits of participation and build engagement among both farmers and restaurants. Finally, restaurants will act as ambassadors of the Verona organic production sector, offering their clients a direct window onto the local organic farms behind the food on their plates.
Current activities focus on testing and refining the approach through workshops, meetings, and direct interaction with stakeholders. Over time, the initiative is expected to create new market opportunities and more stable income for farmers, while enabling restaurants to better integrate high quality local organic products into their operations. More broadly, it contributes to stronger short supply chains, a more dynamic local organic sector, and better access to local food for consumers.
