Food Pilot

ILVO (the Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research) is an independent scientific research centre of the Flemish government. It works on the sustainability of agriculture, fisheries and the agro-food sector, with a remit that extends from Flanders to Belgium, Europe and beyond. In food-related work, ILVO supports companies, laboratories and public bodies across the agro-food chain, from primary producers to processors and retailers. Its approach combines multidisciplinary applied research, co-creation with stakeholders and access to extensive research infrastructure to improve products, production methods, food safety and quality, and sector development. Core Values Co-creation : ILVO repeatedly emphasizes working with companies, researchers, stakeholders and public bodies to define questions, design trials and validate solutions in practice. Scientific integrity : The institute presents itself as independent, objective and honest, with scientific integrity and transparent, interpretable results as core principles. Sustainability : Across its food work, ILVO focuses on safer, healthier and more sustainable production, including resource efficiency, circularity, climate impact reduction and better use of local raw materials. Practical relevance : Research is designed to be usable in daily practice, with attention to feasibility, implementation and real-world conditions. Unique Aspects Backed by a public research mandate : ILVO is a Flemish government research centre with a formal mission to help make agriculture, fisheries and agro-food more sustainable. Food Pilot living lab : Its Food Pilot combines semi-industrial equipment, laboratory expertise and co-creation in one platform for food innovation and troubleshooting. Broad research infrastructure : ILVO operates across 10 sites and has extensive facilities, including pilot fields, greenhouses, stables, accredited labs, a pilot factory and specialized analytical platforms. Integrated chain perspective : ILVO links food, feed, farming, fisheries, climate, data and circular bio-economy topics, allowing it to address problems across the whole value chain rather than in isolation.