Partership for Topic Topic 2.3.1 (RIA) – Leveraging urban and local food systems for sustainable food systems transformation.

ERGEN remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing ethical and sustainable practices within the small ruminant farming sector. Our dedication to collaborating with economically marginalized producers and our focal point on enhancing breeding processes, integrating technology, and promoting sustainable production align seamlessly with the fundamental tenets of fair trade.
Our unwavering commitment to transparency, ethical standards, and the well-being of animals and the environment underscores our holistic approach to responsible business conduct. Furthermore, our dedication to providing training and resources aimed at enhancing the economic standing of small ruminant farmers serves as a tangible testament to our resolve to empower marginalized communities. In addition to these principles, our proactive stance on providing comprehensive and transparent insights into our Fair Trade activities and supply chains, along with our active collaboration with stakeholders, serves as a clear manifestation of our dedication to transparency and fostering trust within the industry.
Our company is committed to working with small ruminant farmers to enhance their breeding procedures and improve their operating results while ensuring the welfare of the animals and the environment. Our company also ensures that our products are produced in accordance with ethical and sustainable standards and that every step of the supply chain is monitored for transparency and traceability.  By working with small ruminant farmers and providing them with viable solutions and technologies to improve their economic situation, our company may not directly but indirectly contribute to meeting this principle.
 
Based on our company's mission, we are committed to working with small ruminant farmers to enhance their operating results and living circumstances through the integration of science and technology. We believe that by doing so, we can empower these farmers and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable small ruminant farming industry. Our work with small ruminant farmers includes providing them with training and other resources to improve their economic situation. We also ensure that our supply chains are ethical, sustainable, and transparent, which aligns with WFTO's goal of supporting economically marginalized producers and workers. Our organisation is accepted a WFTO Candidate. We have membership in Animal Welfare Research Network  aims to bring together the UK animal welfare research community, researchers in related areas, and stakeholders with interests in animal welfare, to identify important research topics, increase collaboration, and support and encourage research activities.
 
As an R&D company committed to transparency, we provide clear and detailed information on our Fair Trade activities, supply chains, and membership requirements to our trading partners and the public. This includes publishing reports on our sustainability and ethical practices, as well as making relevant information readily available on our website and other communication channels. We also work closely with our suppliers and partners to ensure they understand and adhere to our transparency requirements. Regular communication and engagement with our stakeholders help us to maintain transparency and foster trust in our business practices. Overall, we believe that transparency is key to building strong and lasting relationships with our trading partners and the wider public.
 
Our R&D company has led and supervised over 30 research projects for defining problems in the area of animal welfare, genetic improvement with ART, precision livestock management, setting objectives and priorities for efficient animal production, and identifying solutions to key problems of climate change.
Our team has joined national, regional and global networks for knowledge transfer to outcomes of projects and they recently led 5 innovations developed in iSAGE (www.isage.eu) project funded by Horizon 2020. iSAGE was a collaborative project including 34 partners from 7 countries. "Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe"- iSAGE assessed the sustainability sheep and goat sector in
Europe to future challenge such as climate change, food security, resource use efficiency and rural deprivation in marginal regions.

To align closely with the project call topic "Leveraging urban and local food systems for sustainable food systems transformation," ERGEN seeks targeted collaborations that enhance the sustainability of food systems within the Mediterranean region through innovative and ethical small ruminant farming practices. Our approach emphasizes:
Collaboration Sought
1. Academic and Research Partners: For co-developing sustainable breeding techniques and assessing the environmental impact of small ruminant farming practices.
2. Technology Providers: To implement precision livestock management tools and ICT solutions that improve farm efficiency and animal welfare.
3. Policy Makers and Regulatory Bodies: To advocate for and help shape policies that support sustainable agriculture, ethical farming practices, and the integration of small ruminant farming into urban and peri-urban settings.
4. Farmers' Associations: Direct engagement to ensure solutions are practically applicable and address the specific needs of small ruminant farmers, focusing on sustainability and economic viability.
Expected Collaboration Outcomes
Enhanced breeding and farming practices that are sustainable and adaptable to urban and peri-urban environments.
Supportive policy frameworks that facilitate the growth of ethical and sustainable small ruminant farming.
Improved economic outcomes for small ruminant farmers through access to innovative technologies and markets.
Commitment to Collaboration
ERGEN is committed to a participatory and inclusive approach, ensuring that project outcomes contribute effectively to the sustainable transformation of food systems in the Mediterranean region, aligning with the goals of the project call. Our collaboration will be characterized by transparency, mutual learning, and a shared vision for creating resilient, sustainable food systems.
This concise outline focuses directly on the project call topic, ensuring clarity in our objectives and the strategic collaborations we seek to achieve them.

Sustainable Food Systems, Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture, Small Ruminant Farming, Ethical Farming Practices, Technology Integration in Agriculture, Precision Livestock Management, Climate Change Adaptation, Policy Advocacy for Agriculture, Economic Viability of Farmers, Animal Welfare and Sustainability, Mediterranean Region Challenges, Sustainable Breeding Techniques, Food Security and Safety, Environmental Impact Reduction, Transparent and Traceable Supply Chains, Inclusive and Equitable Agriculture, Farmer Empowerment and Training, Innovative Distribution Channels, Circular Bioeconomy Practices, Multi-Actor Approach (MAA).