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Project Topic
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TAIE seeks to revolutionize truffle cultivation through the implementation of agroforestry practices while empowering communities through the development of innovative techniques, learning activities, and materials, as well as a steadfast commitment to gender equality. By actively engaging stakeholders and creating demonstrators and educational materials, the project aims to equip individuals with the tools necessary for successful truffle cultivation alongside other crops and/or animal grazing.
Agroforestry practices, such as introducing cover crops and/or grazing animals, beekeeping, etc., in combination with the cultivation of valuable truffles, have the potential to enhance soil quality by promoting organic carbon sequestration, thereby mitigating losses, particularly in regions like the Mediterranean where erosion poses a significant challenge. Additionally, animal grazing can offer natural weed control and soil fertilization, ultimately leading to increased nutrient content in the soil.
The proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law) introduces soil descriptors and criteria for healthy soil conditions, which will be integrated into the TAIE project to evaluate the efficacy of adopted agroforestry practices in improving soil health. This evaluation will encompass indicators such as bulk density, pH, texture, structural stability, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, exchange cations, phosphorus availability, basal respiration, soil microbial community structure and activity, and soil organic carbon sequestration.
Moreover, TAIE aligns with many of the farming practices advocated by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), focusing on promoting the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to bolster biodiversity, enhance soil health, and sequester carbon dioxide. It also encourages crop diversification to improve soil structure, reduce pest and disease pressures, and enhance ecosystem resilience. Additionally, TAIE aims to explore technical solutions and promote high-value cultivations, particularly in areas with high ecological value like mountainous regions, to sustain biodiversity and landscape diversity.
Within the framework of Work Package 4, TAIE endeavors to analyze truffle value chains in selected partner countries to gain a comprehensive understanding of their organization, strengths and weaknesses, regulatory and institutional frameworks, and the characteristics of truffle producers, processors, and retailers. Furthermore, in Work Package 5, TAIE explores various strategies to enhance value chain development for agroforestry products, including certification schemes, branding, and new business models, with the aim of fostering greater adoption of agroforestry practices.
Lastly, TAIE seeks to innovate current agroforestry practices through the utilization of precision farming techniques. Field controls for monitoring the state and needs of cultivation will be implemented to enhance productivity and sustainability within the truffle agroforestry system.
In terms of relevant EU policies, the project closely aligns with several key EU policies and objectives, particularly within the context of the European Green Deal and relevant Horizon Europe missions and partnerships.
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