The review titled “Neglected and Underutilised Species (NUS): Potential for Food and Nutrition Security – a Knowledge Review” was released on 19^th of September 2025, and it focuses on the potential of neglected and underutilised species (NUS) to diversify and strengthen global food systems. It examines how these species can enhance food and nutrition security and contribute to farmer livelihoods, particularly for smallholders, by providing new income opportunities in local and informal markets, while also highlighting barriers such as weak value chains, limited processing capacity, and restricted market access.

Geographically, the review adopts a global perspective, but places particular emphasis on the Global South and on marginal, rural regions where conventional staple crops are less resilient, and where NUS can have the most significant impact.

The review is of relevance for the platform audience for the following reasons:

• Market diversification and innovation opportunities – The review highlights how NUS can serve as novel ingredients for functional foods, plant-based products, nutraceuticals, and specialty markets. EU companies seeking product differentiation, premium branding, or entry into health- and sustainability-driven consumer segments can leverage these species.

• Nutritional and health value – Evidence on the micronutrient density and bioactive properties of NUS opens opportunities for R&D in fortified foods, dietary supplements, and foods targeting specific health claims (e.g., antioxidant or anti-inflammatory benefits).

• Supply chain and sourcing potential – The review shows that NUS are often produced in marginal areas of the Global South. This creates opportunities for sourcing ingredients under fair-trade or sustainability-certified schemes, thereby strengthening corporate sustainability strategies and securing diversified raw material supply chains.

• Contribution to sustainability and ESG goals – NUS’ resilience to drought, pests, and poor soils aligns with EU Green Deal, Farm-to-Fork, and biodiversity objectives. Incorporating them into product portfolios supports corporate ESG reporting, sustainability narratives, and compliance with evolving EU regulations.

• Collaboration and investment opportunities – The identified research, breeding, and processing gaps create opportunities for EU companies to co-invest with research organizations, start-ups, or local partners in developing new value chains and processing technologies.
• Policy and funding alignment – The review stresses the need for policy integration and innovation support. EU actors can position themselves to benefit from Horizon Europe calls, public-private partnerships, or value-chain development initiatives linked to NUS and sustainable food system transformation.
• Social and ethical branding potential – The emphasis on women’s roles, traditional knowledge, and rural development offers opportunities to build social-impact narratives around products and sourcing strategies, which is increasingly valued by EU consumers and investors.