Nature's minor plants: a multi-dimensional analysis of their integration into European value chains

Addressing the challenges of climate change, economic instability and sustainability in food production requires a shift toward more diversified and resilient agricultural systems. The integration of minor crops, underutilized, neglected, and climate-resilient species, presents a viable strategy for enhancing food security, biodiversity, and sustainability while reducing the environmental footprint of food production. This conceptual study integrates a literature review, policy analysis, and evidence from EU-funded projects to evaluate pathways for integrating minor crops into sustainable food systems. This study applies the 6Ms framework (Methods, Machines, Materials, Manpower, Measurements, and Milieu) to support the adoption of minor crops into European food value chains. The framework addresses barriers related to processing, product innovation, scalability, regulation, and market uptake. It also emphasizes the role of minor crops in enhancing food security, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change. The findings highlight the need to improve crop productivity and advance food processing technologies, while promoting stakeholder collaboration to address supply chain gaps, regulatory constraints, and financial barriers. By aligning with evolving dietary trends and consumer preferences, minor crops can contribute to more resilient food systems. Our study identifies key trade-offs and synergies across the 6Ms and provides evidence-based recommendations, from crop selection and processing to awareness and policy measures, to improve adoption, nutrition, and sustainability of minor crops. Overall, this work provides a roadmap for advancing minor crops as sustainable food sources through innovation in processing, policy support, and consumer-oriented strategies, contributing to climate-resilient food systems and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).