What's Happening?
The James Hutton Institute has joined the CROPSAFE project, a €4.9 million initiative funded by the EU to develop sustainable, bio-based pest control solutions. Led by the University of Alicante, the project aims to produce environmentally friendly and economically viable pest control tools for key food crops. The initiative supports the EU's Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies, focusing on developing alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The project will address pest pressures on potatoes, tomatoes, and bananas, with the Hutton Institute playing a central role in laboratory testing and field trials.
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Why It's Important?
The CROPSAFE project is crucial in addressing the environmental risks posed by conventional chemical pesticides, which are being progressively withdrawn from the EU market. The development of bio-based alternatives is essential for sustainable agriculture, as these solutions could increase yields and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to fill the gap in the market for biopesticides, which currently account for only 5% of the market by value. The initiative's focus on sustainable pest control aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact and promote circular economy solutions.
What's Next?
The project will deliver an integrated package of bio-based tools, including active ingredients and decision-support models for effective pest control. Field trials will be conducted in the UK, Italy, and Spain, with results integrated into advanced decision-support tools for farmers. The Hutton Institute will lead efforts to evaluate bio-based solutions under UK growing conditions, generating critical performance data to guide the development of alternatives to withdrawn pesticides.
