ABOUT US

In all modern agricultural crops, the improvement of vegetable production of economic interest is based mainly on the control of pests and vectors of diseases. Pesticides application involves the use of chemicals with insecticidal, fungicidal, bactericidal properties. However, the expansion of their field application has created serious problems impacting human health and animals. In addition, excessive use of pesticides can leach into soils and water leading to land as well as groundwater pollution and wider biodiversity losses. Some of these products currently used to control pests are extremely toxic in inducing serious human diseases, such as cancer and immune and nervous system disorders. Current use of plant protection products in conventional and/or organic farming systems should be reconsidered taking in account their side effect on environment, non-target organisms, animal and human health. Such potential risk can be reduced through development, testing and demonstrating of approaches based on products safe for environment and life. This project aims to release to the market an innovative solution combining a new competitive biopesticide to cultural trainings aiming to reduce land and water pollution through new agricultural practices. SAFWA specific challenges are to meet the requirement of the EU regulation regarding the registration of safe biopesticides and to provide an environment in which agriculture production contributes to reduce the pollution of the water and the land. The main goal of SAFWA is to market a new alternative intended to minimize the risk associated with the use of pesticides. SAFWA will build on the ongoing European project IPM-4-Citrus achievements both at technological and market assessment levels to drive new cultural practices to farmers in 3 experimental farms around the Mediterranean.

Period of Implementation
Jun 1, 2023 - May 31, 2026
Total Budget
EUR 1,357,183.00

Project team

Partners

Donors

OUR IMPACT

Goals

1:Developing a new competitive alternative based on Bt biopesticides 2: Validating large scale production and formulation of the new biopesticide. 3: Reusing waste bioprocess wáter by recycling it in formulation process 4: Reducing the use of harmful chemicals by enhancing the use of biopesticides 5: Implementing good practices in farming activities. 6: Rising awareness among farmers about good practices impact on water and land safety.

Objectives

SAFWA aims to release to the market an innovative solution combining a new competitive biopesticide to cultural trainings aiming to reduce land and water pollution through new agricultural practices

Problems and Needs Analysis

Even though biopesticide application offers to customers the flexibility of minimum application restrictions, superior residue and resistance management potential, and human and environmental safety benefits, many barriers impede their adoption. These barriers include a competitive market, risk- averse customers, a complex selling channel, perceived lack of efficacy and lack of awareness

Intervention Strategy(ies)

Building on IPM-4-Citrus results, SAFWA project proposal seeks to drive to the market a competitive integrated pest management strategy ensuring, in addition to crop protection from pest and diseases, safe effects on the environment, non-target organisms, animal and human health. This innovative alternative will be conducted to the market through a strategy based on development, testing and demonstration of novel sustainable products for which the proof of concept has already been validated during the ongoing IPM-4-Citrus project.

Impact Pathway

SAFWA will raise the farmer’s knowledge on agro-ecology and on alternative pest management on the urgent need to trust and rely on the novel, more durable and sustainable integrated health approach that will be developed, tested and demonstrated in the framework of the project activities. SAFWA will therefore conduct the following actions: (i) issue environmentally friendlier cultural practices in good farming in accordance with EU agricultural production standards including soil preparation, water management, nutrient management etc. that pose fewer public health risks (ii) disseminate this cultural practice not only to farming community (farmers, operators, union of farmers...) but also to the wide target community (citizen, consumers, etc). Through the training activities dedicated to familiarize the farmers with the new IPM techniques and info days gathering research, farming, advisory services and industry including SMEs, leading to enhanced worker protection, better protection of the environment, and a significant reduction of pesticide residues in the ecosystem in tight collaboration with EU project partners enabling the exchange of experiences and good practices in the field. Moreover, through increased public awareness of the negative impact of pesticides on Human Health and the benefit of biological control, the project will ensure Europe remains a global leader in environmental issues.

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