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Project Topic
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The European Green Deal represents a challenge that actually engages the whole scientific community. It aims to support the agriculture and the economy as whole through an ecological approach (ecological transition). The agroecological approach has a strong territorial connotation that goes beyond the ecological and agronomic aspect and includes also social, economic and cultural dimensions, and agri-food system policy. To facilitate this transition, it needs to move according to the systemic approach of the agri-food sector and involve all the subjects interested in various capacities. In the Mediterranean area, different forms of agriculture coexist, from organic to conventional ones, which can interact with each other and push towards the adoption of more sustainable cultural practices. Therefore, the organic models and the agro-ecological practices developed in organic systems are an important starting point and represent a guideline towards the "agroecological transition" of Mediterranean agriculture, as already outlined in the post-2022 PAC directives. AgroEcoMed aims to develop innovative approaches under the paradigm of agroecology, in order to support the sustainable production of staple foods in the Mediterranean region, in the scenario of climate changes. The project intends to fill the research gaps for implementing a regenerative, circular and biodiversity-based strategy for primary crops, while creating new economic opportunities. The objectives of the proposal are: 1. to identify sustainable agricultural practices to improve soil fertility and the natural and agronomic biodiversity of Mediterranean agro-ecosystems; 2. to promote an eco-efficient/effective use of natural resources and the reduction of environmental pressures within a circular bio-economy framework; 3. to co-design alternative business models able to support the economic viability of agroecological transition; 4. to strengthen the knowledge and coordination system along the supply chain; 5. women’s empowernment and youth employment. The objectives will be achieved through the study of: 1. diversification of the cropping system by introducing new crops; the revision of the cropping rotation schemes; the introduction of artificial mycorrhization and biostimulants; 2. valorization of local genotypes, focusing on the recovery ancient grains and the reintroduction of local or ancient wheat varieties that seem most promising to adapt to climate change in Mediterranean condition; 3. farming and screening of alternative crops for increasing biodiversity and creating new value chains (i.e. activating biorefineries) 4. ecological and circular management of crop residues to enable nutrient loops and reduce the use of chemical inputs; 5. valorization of crop residues and by-products of the agricultural chain through bio-conversion by the Diptera Hermetia illucens 6. development of precision farming techniques aimed at efficient use of resources; 7. measurement of the environmental efficiency of agricultural processes via LCA analysis; 8. assessment of potential economic benefits for farmers and of the conditions under which agroecological farming approach can improve smallholders’ incomes and resilience; 9. creation of an enabling environment for developing, transferring and exchanging knowledges and innovative solutions to support the agro-ecological transition. The project will adopt an interdisciplinary, place-based and user-centred approach, integrating and reconnecting research activities and real-life settings (by on farm trials, field work, pilot actions, focus groups), in order to create open innovation processes, and to accelerate the adoption of experimented solutions. AgroEcoMed proposal relates to Thematic Area 2-Farming systems, Topic 2.2.1 (RIA) Up-scaling field practices based on agroecological practices to increase ecosystem services and biodiversity, to adapt the small farming systems to climate change and to increase farmers’ incomes.
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