The world’s population is steadily growing, and with it, the necessity for a more sustainable food production system.

Across the globe, new technologies and methods are being developed to drive food production in a greener direction, and because of this there is a need for strengthened collaboration and knowledge sharing at a global level.

One initiative working towards this goal is the network SusAnFoods (Sustainable production of animal derived foods).

A Transatlantic Network

SusAnFoods is a new Danish-Californian network aimed at bringing together expertise from research, industry, and government authorities to address key sustainability challenges in livestock production.

“We already have a strong collaboration with California on issues such as antibiotic resistance in pigs, methane emissions from cows, and cell-based foods. This is a great opportunity to strengthen and develop that collaboration across different fields, benefiting the entire department,” says Charlotte Lauridsen, Head of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences at Aarhus University.

By incorporating insights about consumer behaviour from MAPP Centre and representation from Food and Biocluster Denmark, the network ensures that sustainability initiatives align with consumer expectations and industry needs.

The initiative will serve as a platform for strategic research collaboration and facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise and innovation between Denmark and California.

A Diverse Consortium

SusAnFoods is an international initiative supported by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science under the Global Innovation Network Programme. The programme is part of the Ministry of Higher Education and Science’s efforts to internationalise Danish research and innovation.

It enables Danish applicants to build relationships and engage in networking activities with key stakeholders, primarily from countries outside Europe.

The partnership includes Aarhus University, the University of California, Food & Bio Cluster Denmark (FBCD), and the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries.

These institutions aim to drive innovation by integrating knowledge from various research fields, including veterinary science, food development, consumer behaviour, and agricultural policy.

"In addition to the international collaboration, the network also gives us a unique opportunity to strengthen internal collaboration with our colleagues at the MAPP Centre, who have completely different knowledge in relation to green transition of food production and other scientific competencies than us, so I am looking forward to that too," says Charlotte Lauridsen.

Collaboration and Innovation

Throughout the project period, the network will host a range of key activities, both online and in-person, in Denmark and California.

The first webinars have already taken place, attracting many curious participants, according to the department head.

"Right now, we are getting to know each other and figuring out how we can strengthen and develop our collaboration. We are focusing on reducing methane emissions; whether cell-based milk can contribute as an alternative, and how we can produce animal foods without spreading antibiotic resistance. I am really looking forward to seeing what comes out of our exchange of ideas," says Charlotte Lauridsen.

Network activities will focus on the green transition and innovative strategies for food production, delegation visits to strengthen relations between researchers and industry stakeholders, and workshops aimed at developing research ideas and lay the foundation for joint project applications.

Lasting Impact

The network also places significant emphasis on training early-career researchers through PhD exchange programmes, visiting researcher schemes, and joint research activities.

By promoting collaboration, SusAnFoods aims to uncover gaps in our knowledge that may be central to the green transition of animal food production in California and Denmark, including developing practical, scientifically based solutions for sustainable and safe livestock production.

The initiative will lay the foundation for long-term partnerships, paving the way for future research projects, grant applications, and policy recommendations that support a greener and more responsible food sector.