Research Projects

Strengthening cross-border capacity for better climate resilience of forest ecosystems by advanced assessment, testing and demonstrating solutions for ecosystem restoration

Program: Interreg IPA CBC Croatia–Serbia 2021–2027

Project acronym: REBIOFORESTS

Partners:

1. Croatian Forests Ltd. (Lead Partner, Croatia)

2. Public Company Vojvodinašume (Serbia)

3. Croatian Forest Research Institute (Croatia)

4. Institute of Lowland Forestry and Environment (Serbia)

5. Competence Centre Ltd. for Research and Development (Croatia)

Duration: 01.09.2024. – 28.02.2027.

Project Summary

REBIOFORESTS is a cross-border cooperation project aimed at increasing the climate resilience of forest ecosystems in the Spačva-Bosut Basin, a biologically and economically important lowland forest region shared between Croatia and Serbia. Funded through the Interreg IPA CBC Programme, the project addresses the growing impacts of climate change on pedunculate oak forests (Quercus robur), especially those affected by recent extreme weather events such as the windstorm of July 2023. The project brings together public forest management companies, leading forestry research institutions, and a regional innovation centre to develop and implement joint solutions for ecosystem restoration. Through a combination of baseline assessments, pilot restoration actions, and stakeholder engagement, REBIOFORESTS aims to produce three main outputs:

• Output 1.1: A Green Action Plan with scientifically grounded and practice-oriented recommendations for forest ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation.
• Output 2.1: Two restored pilot areas applying innovative planting techniques and site preparation methods.
• Output 3.1: A jointly developed model for resilient forest restoration, integrating genetic diversity, monitoring technologies, and soil health approaches.

The project promotes interdisciplinary cooperation across the forestry sector, science, policy, and community actors through a quadruple helix model. An important element of the project was the study visit which enabled partners and stakeholders to learn from advanced restoration practices and successful examples of ecosystem management abroad. The knowledge gained through this exchange contributes to the development of project outputs and supports long-term climate adaptation strategies in the Spačva-Bosut Basin.

RETFOR - Strengthening climate resilience measures for protection and revitalisation of ecosystems in the Spačva-Bosut Basin

Program: Interreg VI-A IPA CBC Croatia–Serbia

Project acronym: RETFOR

Total budget: 2.808.128,24 EUR CEKOM budget: 284.335,63 EUR Co-financing rate for CEKOM: 85 %

Lead Partner: Croatian Forests ltd.

Partners: Public Company Vojvodinašume, Croatian Waters, Public Water Management Company “Vode Vojvodine” Novi Sad, Competence Centre Ltd. for research and development, Fund for European Affairs and Development of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina

Duration: 36 months

Aim: To increase climate resilience of the Spačva-Bosut Basin through innovative pilot actions and jointly developed solutions ready for uptake by national and regional organisations responsible for water and forest management.

Project Summary

RETFOR addresses the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on the Spačva-Bosut Basin, one of the largest coherent complexes of lowland Pedunculate oak forests in Europe and an important ecological corridor between Croatia and Serbia. The project responds to the consequences of the 2023 extreme storm, long-term drought pressure, groundwater deficit and insufficient cross-sectoral coordination between water and forest management.
The project brings together water and forest management authorities from Croatia and Serbia, supported by organisations with experience in EU project coordination, stakeholder networking and knowledge transfer. It applies an interdisciplinary approach that connects forestry, hydrology, geology, ecology, biology and bioeconomy. Through baseline assessment, knowledge transfer, pilot actions, the Community of Practice and the Centre for Climate Change Monitoring, RETFOR will strengthen long-term monitoring, planning and restoration capacities in the cross-border area.The cross-border value of the project is in joint action across one connected ecosystem, where water regime, forests, biodiversity and climate risks cannot be effectively addressed by one country or one sector alone.

Results

Jointly developed action plan for implementation activities towards climate resilience in the Spačva-Bosut Basin.
Cross-border groundwater monitoring in the area of the Spačva-Bosut Basin.
Upgraded Lipovac Barrier’s Crown on the Bosut River in Croatia.
Reconstructed sluice on the Bosut River in Serbia.
Reconstructed Radosava Pond in Serbia.
Jointly developed Centre for Climate Change Monitoring.
Jointly developed and demonstrated Nature-based Solution (NbS) for drought extremes mitigation.

CEKOM activities

CEKOM participates in both work packages with a focus on stakeholder involvement, Community of Practice establishment and the future functionality of the Centre for Climate Change Monitoring. Within WP1, CEKOM contributes to the baseline assessment and long-term planning through literature review and critical analysis of previous and ongoing projects relevant to climate resilience, NbS and ecosystem restoration. CEKOM participates in development of the Joint Action Plan and provides inputs for preparation and capacity building, including public procurement for the pre-feasibility study.

CEKOM is responsible for Activity 1.3, Stakeholder Mapping and Community of Practice establishment. This includes preparation of tools for assessing stakeholder potential, involvement of relevant institutions and long-term support to the sustainability of the strategic project and CCCM. Within communication and dissemination, CEKOM contributes to the Communication Plan, dissemination of results and awareness raising together with Croatian Forests and FEP. CEKOM is also responsible for the organisation of three project team meetings in Croatia.

Within WP2, CEKOM contributes to the incorporation of piezometric data into the server for data collection together with Croatian Waters and Croatian Forests. CEKOM will take up and manage the jointly developed Centre for Climate Change Monitoring, including coordination with other partners on the integration of dana from software and monitoring systems into one functional system for relevant institutions. CEKOM also contributes to validation and evaluation of conducted pilot actions and developed solutions.

DAWETREST - Danube Wetlands and flood plains Restoration through systemic, community engaged and sustainable innovative actions

Program: HORIZON Europe

Project acronym: DAWETREST Topic: HORIZON-MISS-2022-OCEAN-01-02

Overall eligible budget:: 9.141.673,75 EUR Co-financed by the programme: 8.499.998,75 EUR CEKOM budget: 324.525,00 EUR

Project Coordinator: Climate, atmosphere and water research institute at Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Project objective: Address the Mission challenges by preparing and implementing science, citizen and nature-based solutions leading to an effective, sustainable, engaging and lucrative protection, restoration and management of wetlands, flood plains, coastal wetlands and salt marshes in the Danube River Basin.

Project Summary

DAnube WETlands REStoration (DaWetRest) Lighthouse is designed to develop and demonstrate (pilot) concrete solutions applied on the Danube basin to address the challenges faced by its inland and coastal wetlands ecosystems’, namely on (i) biodiversity, (ii) water quality and availability, (iii) climate resilience and/or neutrality and (iv) socio-economic benefits for the local communities. These transformative and innovative solutions will be validated by local communities and main Regional and European-wide stakeholders. DaWetRest has the role to prepare and plan the replication, deployment and scaling up of the validated innovative solutions for the next mission’s phase. For this important scope, DaWetRest project proposes several strong ideas, such as (i) building and selecting interventions based on extensive and prior know-how (sibling sites and non-EU experiences), (ii) local, regional and basin scale integrated interdependent analysis of results from the planned interventions, (iii) merge DaWetRest own data, models and digital tools with existing and future ones, towards a centralized knowledge centre in the future and (iv) involve the managing authorities and a number of local actors in the entire process, from the very beginning. Thus, DaWetRest results will accelerate and generalize the deployment of innovative solutions in the second phase of the Mission. The demonstration of innovative and result-oriented solutions is organized in 3 DEMOs – DEMO Middle Danube (MD), DEMO Lower Danube (LD) and DEMO Danube Delta (DD). Each DEMO offers main intervention sites, pilots, sibling locations, replications, platforms/ services, local stakeholders engagement and methodologies to strengthen the innovation, knowledge and cooperation in and beyond DaWetRest in Danube basin and across Europe. Via a widely representative consortium as well as active cooperation (e.g. Community of Practices), DaWetRest will provide tools for a significant transformation in the Danube.

CEKOM’s activities
Cekom is focused on developing strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and optimize pilot locations based on their unique needs and natural potentials. Additionally, the organization monitors biodiversity, assessing the sustainability of wetlands and important taxa like waterfowl, while also evaluating water and soil quality.

Project Partners

1. INSTITUT ZA IZSLEDVANIA HA KLIMATA, ATMOSFERATA I VODITE PRI BAN (CAWRI-BAS)

2. SVEUCILISTE U ZAGREBU, FAKULTET STROJARSTVA I BRODOGRADNJE (UZ-FSB)

3. HRVATSKE VODE PRAVNA OSOBA ZA UPRAVLJANJE VODAMA (HRVODE)

4. CENTAR KOMPETENCIJA DOO ZA ISTRAZIVANJE I RAZVOJ (CEKOM)

5. SRU ODRA VELIKA GORICA (SRU-ODRA)

6. POLJOPRIVREDNA STRUCNA SLUZBA SOMBOR DRUSTVO SA OGRANICENOM ODGOVORNOSCU SOMBOR (PSSS)

7. JADRANSKI INOVACIJSKI CENTAR (AIH)

8. SDRUZENIE ASOCIACIJA NA DUNAVSKITE OBSTINI-DUNAV (ADRM)

9. REGIONALNA INSPEKTSIA PO OKOLNATA SREDA I VODITE RUSE (RIEW-Ruse)

10. UNIVERSITY OF RUSE ANGEL KANCHEV (RUNI)

11. SCORTEL OOD (SCORTEL)

12. INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE DELTA DUNARII (DDNI)

13. MINISTERUL MEDIULUI, APELOR SI PADURILOR (MEWF)

14. UNIVERSITATEA POLITEHNICA DIN BUCURESTI (UPB)

15. GEOSTUD SRL (GEOS)

16. COMPLEX DELTA SRL (COMPLEX)

17. COMUNA MURIGHIOL (MunMUR)

18. STUF DELTA PRODUCTION (DSTUF)

19. UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA GHEORGHE ASACHI DIN IASI (TUIASI)

20. NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF UKRAINE IGOR SIKORSKY KYIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (ISKPI)

21. BUREAU DE RECHERCHES GEOLOGIQUES ET MINIERES (BRGM)

22. Institutul de Ecologie si Geografie (IEG)

23. GGT – GABINETE DE PLANEAMIENTO E GESTAO DO TERRITORIO LDA (GGT)

24. EREVNITIKO PANEPISTIMIAKO INSTITOUTO SYSTIMATON EPIKOINONION KAI YPOLOGISTON (ICCS)

25. INOVA+ – INNOVATION SERVICES, SA (INOVA+)

26. STEINBEIS INNOVATION GGMBH (SEZ)

Associated Partners: JAVNO PREDUZACE VOJVODINASUME, PRETROVARADIN; OPCINA DRAZ, DUNA-DRÁVA NEMZETI PARK IGAZGATÓSÁG (DUNA-DRÁVA NATIONAL PARK DIRECTORATE), DDRIÜ DÉL-DUNÁNTÚLI REGIONÁLIS INNOVÁCIÓS ÜGYNÖKSÉG NONPROFIT KFT, SKOLA ZA OS NOVNO OBRAZOVANJE ODRASLIH, UNIVERZITET U NOVOM SADU FAKULTET TEHNICKIH NAUKA, MUNICIPALITY OF SILISTRA, MUNICIPALITY OF TUTRAKAN, SLIVO POLE MUNICIPALITY, DONAU TRANSIT LTD, DPP RUSENSKI LOM, REGIONAL ACADEMIC CENTER OF BAS BURGAS, DANUBE DELTA BIOSPHERE RESERVE AUTHORITY, NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION APELE ROMANE, INSTITUTIA PREFECTULUI JUDETUL TULCEA, FEDERATIA ORGANIZATIILOR PRODUCATORILOR DE PES TE DIN DELTA DUNARII, ASOCIATIA “IVAN PATZAICHIN – MILA 23, UNIVERSITATEA TEHNICA A MOLDOVEI, SLOVENSKA POLNOHOSPODARSKA UNIVERZITA V NITRE

SWIM - Sustainable Water and Integrated Management of Fish Migration and their Habitats in the Danube River Basin and NW Black Sea

Program: Horizon Europe – Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA); EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”, Topic HORIZON-MISS-2024-OCEAN-01-02 (Danube river basin lighthouse – Protection and restoration of migratory fish habitats). Grant Agreement No. 101215230.

Project acronym: SWIM

Total budget: 8.019.898,75 EUR CEKOM budget: 290.437,50 EUR

Co-financing rate for CEKOM: 100% of eligible costs (HORIZON-IA funding rate applicable to CEKOM)

Lead Partner: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (UNIZG FSB), Croatia

Duration: 48 months (1 September 2025 – 31 August 2029)

Aim: To restore, protect and enhance the habitats of migratory fish species in the Danube River Basin and the Northwestern Black Sea, by developing and implementing innovative, sustainable and scalable solutions that improve habitat connectivity, quality and conservation, and thereby the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.

Project Summary

SWIM aligns with the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” and tackles the loss of connectivity, quality and conservation status of migratory fish habitats across the Danube River Basin and the Northwestern Black Sea. Building on earlier initiatives such as MEASURES, WE PASS, SIMONA and the Danube Lighthouse projects (DALIA, DaWetRest, Restore4Life), the consortium moves from assessment to the implementation of complementary, real-world solutions. Through 13 activities at 7 pilot sites, SWIM deploys nature-based and technical measures — including ex-situ restocking and hatchery recovery, fish passages and lateral reconnections, habitat monitoring and modelling, and a digital platform articulated with the MEASURES Information System and the Digital Twin Ocean. A central element of the approach is transnational cooperation across governmental bodies, NGOs, researchers and local communities, coordinated through the SWIM Alliance, which raises public support and secures the long-term sustainability of the restoration and protection measures. By advancing ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services, SWIM aims to serve as a replicable model for migratory fish recovery across the basin and beyond.

Results

Improved connectivity, quality and conservation of migratory fish habitats, demonstrated through 13 restoration activities implemented at 7 pilot sites across the Danube Basin and NW Black Sea.
Strengthened wild populations of migratory fish species through ex-situ restocking, hatchery recovery and the reconnection of spawning and feeding habitats.
Habitat monitoring and modelling tools and a shared digital platform, articulated with the MEASURES Information System, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Nature-based solutions and strict protection zones that enhance biodiversity, ecological resilience and the provision of ecosystem services.
A transnational SWIM Alliance, policy contributions and community engagement and education activities that enable replication across the basin and in associated regions.

CEKOM activities
Within SWIM, CEKOM leads the Croatian reference and pilot site in Vukovar-Srijem County, focused on the assessment and restoration of migratory fish habitats in the Bosut–Spačva river system. CEKOM conducts field sampling and analyses fish populations and physico-chemical water quality across the Bosut and its tributaries (Biđ, Spačva, Studva, Berava), the Sava and the Danube, and consolidates these data into a habitat-restoration roadmap — the “Blue Document” — centred on restoring longitudinal connectivity at the Bosut weir for the Natura 2000 qualifying fish species. CEKOM also contributes to the project’s review of national and international legislation and policy on river continuity and fish migration, to stakeholder engagement and the SWIM Alliance in Croatia, and to communication and capacity-building activities. Through its participation, CEKOM strengthens its scientific and project-management capacities, consolidates references in Horizon Europe environmental projects, and reinforces its role as a regional competence centre for water and biodiversity in Vukovar-Srijem County.

Partners

Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (Germany); Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development – INCDDD (Romania); Hrvatske vode / Croatian Waters (Croatia); Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority (Romania); International Association for Danube Research – IAD (Austria); Institute of Hydrobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Ukraine); Technical University of Košice (Slovakia); Centar kompetencija d.o.o. za istraživanje i razvoj – CEKOM (Croatia); University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture (Serbia); METCENAS o.p.s. (Czechia); Czech University of Life Sciences Prague – ČZU (Czechia); GEOSTUD SRL (Romania); International Centre for Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Centre (Croatia); T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute – VÚV TGM (Czechia); Jadranski inovacijski centar / Adriatic Innovation Centre (Croatia); Public Institution for the Management of Protected Areas and the Ecological Network of Virovitica-Podravina County (Croatia); Public Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro (Montenegro); Ministry of Transport, Communications and Environmental Protection of Posavina Canton (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (Serbia); FZI Forschungszentrum Informatik (Germany); Sport Fishing Association Odra, Velika Gorica (Croatia); National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management – INHGA (Romania); COMPLEX DELTA SRL (Romania); Hidroing d.o.o. (Croatia); INOVA+ – Innovation Services, SA (Portugal)

In addition, 16 associated partner organisations contribute to the implementation without receiving EU funding, among them the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR), the International Sava River Basin Commission (ISRBC), WWF Romania, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, meteoblue AG and Zagreb County.

Development of nutritive enriched spelt based eco-products

Authors: Antun Jozinović, Jurislav Babić, Josip Mihaljević

Organization:

- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Food Technology Osijek, Franje Kuhača 18, Osijek
- Eko Jazo ltd, Crkvena 44, Ivanovac, Croatia

Web page: https://www.ptfos.unios.hr/PIR-EKO/

Contact: jbabic@ptfos.hr

The Republic of Croatia faces several key issues in the agricultural sector: declining soil quality, low product added value, limited innovation, high levels of agricultural waste, low self-sufficiency, and an agricultural trade deficit of 717.5 million euros in 2020. The diet of a large part of the world’s population is based on cereals or cereal-based food products.

The project development is based on the application of the circular economy (from field to fork) and innovation to reduce waste generation and increase production sustainability. The main objective of the project is to develop innovative organic food products from spelt and emmer, enriched with fibre and minerals. A special emphasis of the research is on the development of an innovative process for extracting fibre from waste generated during the processing of spelt. The aforementioned process can also be applied to extract fibre from waste during the processing of other cereals.

The project results will contribute to reducing waste, i.e., greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable resource management, which are key objectives of the “Sustainable Carbon Cycles” strategy. Furthermore, the project results will contribute to the development of innovations, thereby increasing the added value of organic agricultural and food products and ultimately increasing organic production.

Next Generation Animal Production

Project Code: NPOO.C3.2.R3-I1.04.0141, Project acronym: APNG, Total Project Value: €1,381,542.42

Project leader: Associate Prof. dr. sc. Boris Lukić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Web page: https://apng.info/o-projektu/

Contact: zvonko.antunovic@fazos.hr

Project Summary

The project “Next-Generation Animal Production” is based on research integrating genomic, environmental, and biometric components in dairy cattle breeding, as well as their effects on functional, health, and production traits. The obtained results will serve as a foundation for the development of artificial intelligence models, with special emphasis placed on animal welfare traits and newly defined phenotypes.

Based on a machine-learning model specifically developed for recognizing animal behavior patterns in farming facilities, a prototype of an integrated software system will be created. This system will be connected to a range of electronic sensors, enabling monitoring and proactive management of key production processes in modern dairy farming.

Project Objectives

The technologies described above form the basis for implementing this project, which aims to achieve the following objectives:

- Investigate the genetic architecture of functional, reproductive, and production traits in dairy cows and identify genomic regions associated with these traits using Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS).
- Analyze variability in functional traits such as animal health status through the collection and analysis of biometric data using various cameras and sensors.
- Develop statistical models and analytical tools for evaluating functional, reproductive, and production traits by integrating genomic and environmental data (e.g., temperature and humidity in housing facilities), using large real-time datasets (genomic, environmental, movement data, etc.) and machine-learning approaches.
- Implement the developed statistical and machine-learning models into a software solution developed up to prototype level (TRL 4), ultimately leading to a software platform for real-time animal monitoring, decision support, and management of production processes at the breeder and dairy production level.

Resilient beekeeping and breeding to safeguard natural genetic resources and pollination services

Project Code: Horizon Europe research and innovation programme Grant Agreement No. 101082073, Project acronym: BEE-GUARDS, Total Project Value: €6,000,000.00

Project leader: Assistant Prof. dr. sc. Marin Kovačić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Web page: https://beeguards.eu/about/

Contact: zvonko.antunovic@fazos.hr

Project Summary

The project seeks to develop sustainable beekeeping practices, innovative breeding strategies, and digital and forecasting tools that will enable beekeepers to adapt more quickly and effectively to new environmental conditions. It investigates how climate change, food availability, apiary management practices, and other environmental factors influence the occurrence of diseases and pests, as well as the overall resilience of honey bee colonies. Special emphasis is placed on the selection of more resilient bees (including resistance to Varroa mite), reducing the carbon footprint of beekeeping production, and protecting wild pollinators and biodiversity. The project is implemented by a strong international consortium of 27 partners from 16 countries, conducting extensive field and laboratory research across Europe using digitally equipped hives, advanced laboratory analyses, modelling approaches, and the development of decision-support systems.

Project Objectives

The Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek (FAZOS) holds a particularly strong position within the project, as it participates in 7 out of the total 10 work packages. Through participation in this project, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek confirms its international recognition and expertise in the fields of beekeeping, conservation of genetic resources, and pollinator protection, which are crucial for agriculture and food security.

Applied Research for the Development of Climate Change Adaptation Measures through Monitoring and the Development of a Predictive Model for Effective Disaster Risk Management in Agriculture

Project Code: PK.3.4.17.0012 (European Regional Development Fund – ERDF), Project acronym: AGROMOD, Total Project Value: €573.578,64

Project leader: Assistant Prof. dr. sc. Jurica Jović

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Web page: https://agromod.fazos.hr

Contact: zvonko.antunovic@fazos.hr

Project Summary

The project was developed in response to the increasing climate-related challenges affecting Osječko-baranjska županija, one of the most vulnerable regions in Hrvatska in the context of climate change. Its main objective is to enhance the resilience of agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity through the development and implementation of scientifically based microbiological monitoring, the creation of soil and water microbiological maps, and the development of predictive models for effective disaster risk management in agriculture. The project also ensures the transfer of scientific knowledge to relevant stakeholders and establishes a promotional and educational programme aimed at strengthening community awareness and capacity for climate change adaptation.

The project focuses on strengthening the resilience of agroecosystems in a county with 258,026 inhabitants (Census 2021). Climate change in the region is increasingly disrupting natural balance, causing extreme droughts and floods, rising average temperatures, and changes in precipitation patterns. Agriculture, as the backbone of the county’s economy, is particularly vulnerable. Crop yields are projected to decline by 3–8% by 2050, accompanied by more frequent occurrences of pests, disrupted vegetation cycles, and degradation of soil and water. It introduces an integrated, science-based, and locally applicable approach to developing adaptation measures grounded in systematic microbiological monitoring and modelling of changes in agroecosystems. Special emphasis is placed on developing early warning tools, improving risk management planning, and ensuring the long-term preservation of natural resources.

By combining scientific excellence, institutional support, and local applicability, AGROMOD lays the foundation for sustainable and climate-resilient management of agricultural and natural systems in Osijek – Baranja county.

Project Objectives

The project’s innovation lies in the development of the first integrated microbiological map of this kind at the county level, as well as in the creation of a predictive model for monitoring microbial communities under climate stress conditions in Osijek – Baranja county. Through strong scientific partnership and a clear practical orientation, the project will establish a sustainable foundation for the further development of both county-level and national climate change adaptation policies. In doing so, it will ensure the integration of science, practice, and public policy, in line with national and regional strategic frameworks and the European Green Deal.

A European - Wide Network Of Pilot Farmers Implementing And Demonstrating Climate Smart Solutions For A Carbon Neutral Europe

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: Climate Farm Demo (CFD)

Coordinator: INSTITUT DE L’ELEVAGE

Duration: 01.10.2022. – 30.9.2029.

Web page: https://climatefarmdemo.eu/

Project Summary

Climate Farm Demo is a unique pan-European network of Pilot Demo Farmers (PDFs) covering 28 countries and all pedo-climatic areas. Its overall aim is to accelerate the adoption of Climate Smart Farming (CSF) practices and solutions by farmers and all actors of the Climate Smart Agriculture Knowledge & Innovation Systems (AKIS) with a view to adapting agricultural production systems to climate change and to achieving a carbon neutral agricultural sector by 2050, thereby meeting the targets of the EU Climate strategy.

To reach this objective, the project adopts a MultiActor approach by connecting 1500 Pilot Demo Farmers and their Climate Farm Advisors (CFAs) at European and national levels to increase knowledge exchange & cross-fertilisation in their respective AKIS. The CFA’s will support the PDFs in implementing Adaptation and Mitigation Measures suggested by contextualised guidelines and will assess & monitor their environmental performance thanks to harmonised methodologies & tools.

Technical and social innovations covering a broad range of thematic areas will be demonstrated to the wider farming community across six annual demo campaigns by organizing 4500 demo events and supporting interactive and peer-to-peer learning. New and innovative CSF solutions will be co-created in 10 Living Labs spread across Europe, and lessons learned from multi-actor innovation will be shared and scaled.

A set of public and private rewarding mechanisms will be identified, proposed, and demonstrated to the AKIS actors, thus incentivising the uptake of CSF solutions while ensuring sustainable business models. Strategic and operational cooperation will be organised with projects, flagship initiatives, and policy-makers at European and national levels in order to share knowledge, organise coordinated actions, and produce policy briefs. Finally, to accelerate the wide spreading and uptake of results, an ambitious dissemination, exploitation, and communication strategy will be deployed at the EU and national levels.

A Holistic Framework In The Quality Labelled Food Supply Chain Systems' Management Towards Enhanced Data Integrity And Veracity, Interoperability, Transparency And Traceability

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: ALLIANCE

Coordinator: PANEPISTIMIO THESSALIAS Greece

Duration: 01.12.2022. – 31.10.2025.

Web page: https://alliance-heu-project.eu/

Project Summary

ALLIANCE represents a paradigm shift in the Food Supply Chain Systems’ management for the combat against Food Fraud, distinguishing from the traditionally approaches that leverage monolithic digitalized logistic solutions and standalone FSC interoperability protocols. ALLIANCE aims to provide a holistic framework that safeguards data integrity and veracity, enhances traceability and transparency and reinforces interoperability in quality labelled supply chain of organic, PDO, PGI, and GI food, through innovative technology solutions and validated approaches (such as distributed ledger technologies supported by IoT sensing devices, providing extensible anchors to interoperability protocols and use of in-situ portable rapid testing devices to detect adulteration and verify food origin and authenticity) and fosters evidence-based decision making through AI and ML for preventative interventions and actionable planning.

The proposed framework will improve social and economic sustainability of quality labelled food supply chains by ensuring quality & authenticity, increasing food safety, while also considering climatic and environmental impacts of food products. The technologies to be employed in this project will be described and demonstrated in detail to reach higher technology readiness levels (TRLs) and enable smooth and rapid adoption by all stakeholders.

Accelerating Collection And Use Of Soil Health Information Using Ai Technology To Support The Soil Deal For Europe And Eu Soil Observatory

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: AI4SoilHealth

Coordinator: AARHUS UNIVERSITET Denmark

Duration: 01.01.2023. – 31.12.2026.

Web page: https://ai4soilhealth.eu/

Project Summary

The objective of AI4SoilHealth is to co-design, create and maintain an open access European-wide digital infrastructure, compiled using state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods combined with new and deep soil health understanding and measures. The AI-based data infrastructure functions as a Digital Twin to the real-World biophysical system, forming a Soil Digital Twin. This can be used for assessing and continuously monitoring Soil Health metrics by land use and/or management parcel, supporting the Commission’s objective of transitioning towards healthy soils by 2030.

The project is divided into seven (7) work-packages including: (WP2) Policy and stakeholder engagement – networking and synchronising with EU and national programmes, (WP3) Soil health methodology and standards – developing/testing methodology to be used by WPs 4-6, (WP4) Soil health in-situ monitoring tools and data – developing field and laboratory solutions for Observations & Measurements, (WP5) Harmonised EU-wide soil monitoring services – developing the final suite of tools, data and services, (WP6) Multi-actor engagement pilots – organizing field-works and collect users’ feedback, (WP7) Soil literacy, capacity building and communication – organizing public campaigns and producing educational materials.

Activating Green Courtyards For Carbon Neutrality

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: ActGREEN

Coordinator: City of Zagreb

Duration: 01.05.2024. – 30.04.2026.

Web page: https://actgreen.zagreb.hr/o-projektu/19

Project Summary

Adaptation To Saltwater Intrusion In Sea Level Rise Scenarios. Asteris

Funded by: EU Funds – ERDF – INTERREG

Project acronym: ASTERIS

Coordinator: University of Urbino “Carlo Bo”

Duration: 01.01.2019. – 30.06.2021.

Web page: https://programming14-20.italy-croatia.eu/web/asteris/

Project Summary

The Adriatic region is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. The Adriatic community still faces a lack of common risk assessment. Particularly, water supply issues are an essential aspect in the development and sustainability of societal ecosystems. The interface between freshwater and heavier seawater is in a state of dynamic equilibrium and the interface is a transition zone of mixed salinity. Plans for groundwater resource management demand a realistic estimate of future local sealevel response for a range of the most likely to the worst-case scenarios of global warming. It is, therefore, imperative understanding the interaction between fresh groundwater and seawater intrusion in a sea-level rise perspective to achieve a sustainable management of coastal water resources.

The Italian and Croatian coasts are subject to the influences of touristic pressure, entailing the increasing extraction of groundwater in peak periods, and its effect on salt ingression, as well as the effects of pumping for agriculture during drought, which are often not taken into account in the management plan for water catchment.

This project aims, on the basis of a common assessment of spatial and temporal variation in seawater intrusion, at identifying and mapping needs and barriers in risk management and to provide practical tools for a sustainable management through the identification of boundary conditions at a local scale. To this overall objective, the project will provide two main outputs: A map of vulnerability to coastal salinisation at the macro-regional scale (Adriatic) based on future scenarios for sea-level rise and the hydrological cycle. Best practice and guidelines for the management of vulnerable site defined though an analysis of representative case studies in Italy and Croatia.

Boosting Excellence In Experimental Research For Agri-Food Economics And Management

Funded by: Horizon 2020

Project acronym: AgriFoodBoost

Coordinator: University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture

Duration: 01.10.2020. – 31.03.2024.

Web page: https://agrifoodboost.agr.hr/

Project Summary

The main aim of the project is to improve research excellence and scientific visibility of agri-food economics at the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb (FAZ). The project, designed in partnership with University of Bologna, Agricultural University of Athens and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences focuses on the use of experimental economics applied to agriculture, food and environment.

AgriFoodBoost twinning will enhance scientific, innovation and academic capacities of FAZ researchers in order to become competitive on the scientific market, but also to offer new expertise to agri-food business sector. The project will assist in improving faculty-industry networking by establishing a research HUB for experimental economics, enabling FAZ to become a regionally leading Centre for experimental agri-food economics and management.

Breeding European Legumes For Increased Sustainability

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: BELIS

Coordinator: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L’AGRICULTURE, L’ALIMENTATION ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT

Duration: 01.01.2023. – 30.09.2028.

Web page: http://www.belisproject.eu

Project Summary

The aim of BELIS is (i) to increase the competitiveness of the EU and Associated Countries legume breeding industry by improving the methodologies and the governance structures of the breeding sector; (ii) to design conditions that allow an efficient delivery of the achieved genetic progress to the breeders and seed industry, and to the other actors (registration offices, extension services, feed and food industry, farmers).

The project will focus on seven forage crops and seven grain crop that are currently grown to produce feed (for ruminants – cattle, sheep, goat and monogastric animals – pig, poultry), food (as is or after processing) or to deliver ecosystem services. BELIS has three main objectives: (1) To develop tools and methodologies for cost-effective breeding programmes and deliver proofs of concept, with and for breeders, (2) To facilitate the economic and regulatory environment: variety registration, variety recommendation and business models, (3) To implement an efficient, ambitious and durable transfer of innovation through the BELIS platform that includes a network of breeders and actors from scientific research, extension services and seed, food and feed industries, as well as a training portfolio.

By enabling the creation of improved varieties in many species, adapted to different areas and uses in Europe, this project is relevant for the destinations towards “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services”, mainly contributing to “Access to a wider range of crops and breeds with a broadened genetic base is improved in line with global biodiversity commitments”. It also supports the “Practices in agriculture and forestry support biodiversity and the provision of other ecosystems services”. In addition, BELIS will have a positive input on natural biodiversity, reduction of air and water pollutions and farming system sustainability.

Climate Smart, Ecosystem-Enhancing And Knowledge-Based Rural Expertise And Training Centresx

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: RURALITIES

Coordinator: PEDAL CONSULTING SRO

Duration: 01.10.2022. – 01.10.2027.

Web page: https://www.ruralities-project.eu/

Project Summary

The project ‘Climate smart, ecosystem-enhancing and knowledge-based rural expertise and training centres’ (RURALITIES) delivers an ecosystem-enhancing and climate action driven expertise and learning framework organised in hubs e.g., the ‘RURALITIES’, comprising a series of innovative methodologies with the learner at its core, supported by a comprehensive network of living labs, and a blockchain-based digital platform combining the Internet and wireless technologies, to assist engage, connect and empower actors. This is done via a multi-point approach e.g., multi-actors, multi-disciplines, multi-systems, multi-scale, multi-sectors, and multi-levels. RURALITIES is rooted in the recruitment, preparation, training and coaching of 1.000+ facilitators (KPI) distributed in all participating countries, for a variety of tasks (e.g., trainers, facilitators, role models, hub coordinators, etc.), and who play a significant role in creating the matrix and the platform upon which the learning framework is built, develops and evolves.

RURALITIES proposes to ideate, implement, futureproof, validate and deliver the aforementioned expertise and learning centres via real-scale practicing in 7 simplified rural socio-ecological systems (SIMSES) e.g., demonstrators, 2 in Italy, 1 in the United- Kingdom (UK), 1 in Slovenia, 1 in Spain and 1 in Romania. RURALITIES coordinates identified actions of local, regional authorities in supports of rural innovation in regions and economic sectors where rural innovators are not yet engaged in a relevant network.

RURALITIES coordinates identified SIMSES networks promoting rural innovation solutions whilst establishing innovative multipoints ‘RURALITIES Hubs’ of expertise and training on rural innovation. This is done via coordinating action for the managing authorities and regional bodies influencing regional and national policy instruments in Italy, the UK, Slovenia, Spain and in Romania.

Diversity Of Local Pig Breeds And Production Systems For High Quality Traditional Products And Sustainable Pork Chains

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: TREASURE

Coordinator: THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

Duration: 01.04.2015. – 31.03.2019.

Web page: https://treasure.kis.si/

Project Summary

Research and development activities are proposed for the benefit of sustainable pork chains based on European local pig breeds and their production systems. The work programme is planned to respond to consumer demands for the quality and healthiness of pork products with regional identity and societal demands for environment preservation and development of the local agro-economy.

Description and evaluation of local pig breeds and pork with an emphasis on untapped ones will be performed using novel genomic tools. The performance of local pig breeds will be evaluated in contrasted agro-geo-climatic conditions and production systems (indoor, outdoor, organic). The focus will be on pig feeding and management strategies and on the use of locally available feeding resources. The intrinsic quality of traditional and new regional high-quality pork products and the attitudes of consumers from various market areas will be assessed; in particular the motives for the choice and willingness to pay for such products.

Marketing strategies will be addressed in particular short-chain distribution channels. All activities will be driven from the perspective of sustainability (environmental impact, animal welfare, product quality, consumer acceptability and market potential). The activities will engage innovative approaches to answer socio-economic demands of regional pork chains involving partners from different sectors. The ambition is to enhance existing and create new networks between academia and nonacademic partners, within and between regions and to tackle the value chain for regional high-quality pork products, focusing on diverse and so far untapped pig breeds, their production systems and pork products. Cross-fertilising interactions between research, local agriculture, businesses and end-users will be achieved with partners from these complementary sectors in all research and development activities.

Gender Equality In Rural And Agricultural Innovation Systems (Grass Celing)

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: GRASS Celing

Coordinator: SOUTH EAST TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Duration: 01.01.2023. – 31.12.2025.

Web page: https://www.grassceiling.eu/

Project Summary

South East Technological University (SETU) is leading a new European project that aims to empower rural women and increase the number of socio-ecological innovations led by women in agriculture, the rural economy and rural communities.

GRASS Ceiling, a €2.8m project funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, brings together 25 partners from across Europe and will develop a forum where women can drive socio-ecological transitions, that is, develop innovations in response to socio-ecological challenges and strengthen the resilience of rural areas. This is essential to deliver the UN’s goals on gender parity, realise the EU gender equality strategy, and achieve the goals of the Green Deal, the Farm to Fork strategy, the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas, and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

To achieve this the project will establish nine living labs for rural women innovators in Ireland, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Spain, and Sweden. Each living lab will train between six and eight women and establish a network-learning and innovation system that will support women innovators, strengthen and measure their innovative identity, and transform gender norms and stereotypes by sharing and capturing insights on rural women-innovator policy and practical experience.

Through these living labs, researchers will analyse the current position of women regarding megatrends in European agriculture and rural areas, understand the drivers and enablers for women-led innovations, the barriers encountered and supports that are needed at Member State and EU level.

Women innovators from a rural or farming organisation will co-lead each lab, with Macra na Feirme joining the project in Ireland. Macra na Feirme is a voluntary organisation representing 10,000 young people from rural Ireland, supporting the social, economic, cultural, personal development and well-being of young people who have a rural connection, including young farmers. GRASS Ceiling’s partners also include high level European bodies and stakeholders who can truly influence EU policy.

Genome And Epigenome Enabled Breeding In Monogastrics

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: GEroNIMO

Coordinator: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L’AGRICULTURE, L’ALIMENTATION ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT

Duration: 01.06.2021. – 30.06.2026.

Web page: https://www.geronimo-h2020.eu/

Project Summary

To face human population growth, increasing environmental constraints and changes in socio-cultural values, animal breeding must evolve toward a more sustainable model that guarantees production while promoting efficient resource use, animal health and welfare, and preserving genetic diversity. Thanks to recent developments in omics technologies, it is now possible to rethink breeding, taking advantage of improved knowledge on genome- to-phenome relationships that account for both genetic and non-genetic mechanisms controlling traits.

GEroNIMO will work on chicken and pig, the most used sources of animal protein worldwide, to provide breeders with new knowledge and tools to promote innovative genome and epigenome-enabled selection methods for traits related to production (quantity and quality ), efficiency, productivity, longevity, fertility, resilience and welfare. A large number of animals from cosmopolitan and local breeds will be characterized phenotypically, genetically and epigenetically under different environments to i) identify underlying biological mechanisms affecting trait variation, ii) develop methods to improve selection strategies integrating genetic- and non-genetic factors, and iii) propose strategies to optimize the conservation of genetic and epigenetic diversity.

GEroNIMO proposes demand-driven innovation employing a multi-actor approach through the involvement of breeders, professional associations of animal production, and scientists, engaged from the planning phase to the dissemination of results over Europe. GEroNIMO will build on existing academic and commercial knowledge and analyse large populations to quantify the contribution of genetic and epigenetic variation in gene expression, trait variation and trade-offs between traits. GEroNIMO will also propose a comprehensive and enhanced diversity characterisation by integrating epigenetic diversity into conservation purposes, corresponding to a new integrated conservation strategy.

Grazing For Wildfire Prevention, Ecosystem, Service Provision, Nature Conservation And Landscape Management

Funded by: LIFE Program

Project acronym: GRAZELIFE

Coordinator: Universität Leipzig

Duration: 01.04.2019. – 31.12.2021.

Web page: https://grazelife.com/

Project Summary

On request of the European Commission the LIFE Preparatory Project GRAZELIFE aims on improving implementation possibilities of different grazing models – both by domestic and wild/semi-wild herbivores – to identify the most (cost)effective means to maximise / promote wildfire prevention, climate adaptation, the provision of multiple ecosystem services, landscape and nature conservation, and to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, by maintaining long-term stable and resilient ecosystems.

Objectives:

– Description of different grazing models and their (cost)effectiveness for biodiversity, wildfire prevention, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts, climate adaptation and ecosystem services, compared to other land management-systems (including mowing, land abandonment and reforestation), specified for different European regions, and substantiated with case studies.

– Build a robust knowledge-base with respect to effectiveness and cost-efficiency of different grazing models.

– Analyse and map factors that facilitate, impede or restrict the implementation of the most effective grazing models (financial, social-cultural, political, physical, ecological, administrative, technical, etc.)

– Formulating recommendations for the EU to adapt relevant policies, legislation and subsidies in a way that will promote the most effective models for land management and enhance coherence with EU-targets on biodiversity, the restoration agenda, reduction of human-wildlife conflicts and climate adaptation.

Growing Advanced Industrial Crops On Marginal Lands For Biorefineries“ – Grace

Funded by: Horizon 2020

Project acronym: GRACE

Coordinator: UNIVERSITAET HOHENHEIM

Duration: 01.06.2017. – 31.12.2022.

Web page: https://www.grace-bbi.eu/project/

Project Summary

In the EU-projects OPTIMSC and MultiHemp promising miscanthus and hemp germplasm was identified for crop production suitable for various end uses. In OPTIMISC also a large number of genotypes were screened for various stress tolerances (e.g. frost, drought, salinity) which are key traits for good performance under marginal conditions. However, both projects worked on small trial plots and identified utilization options only at lab scale. Miscanthus or hemp varieties that are specifically suitable for marginal lands are not yet available. A major bottleneck for development of such varieties is the lack of information on their large scale performance. Therefore the next step to develop these biomass crops for the growing bioeconomy is to demonstrate the feasibility of upscaling their production. Cultivars also need to meet the quality requirements of the specific end uses.

Based on knowledge gained by the projects OPTIMISC and MultiHemp, the biomass composition of the germplasm is largely known and can be matched to the specific end uses. However, the upscaling of these value chains with tailored germplasm is not yet proven and represents a bottle neck for their wider application. The objective of this project is to demonstrate 1) the upscaling of crop production of miscanthus and hemp genotypes matched to end use and 2) their suitability for marginal, contaminated and unused land. Another aim of the project is to demonstrate the upscaling of the most promising biomass valorization chains with tailored genotypes. Various valorization options will be tested by associated partners (industry panel) and a subset will be demonstrated at (pre)commercial scale. The overall aim of the project is to have commercial cultivars, which are suitable for marginal, contaminated or unused land, available at the end of the project with proven feasibility for a set of end-uses. This includes their performance in the value chain, but also their environmental and economic profile.

Guideline For Farm-Specific Rules For Mitigating Pesticide Impacts While Ensuring Sustainable Agriculture- Life-Agrowise

Funded by: LIFE Program

Project acronym: LIFE-Agrowise

Coordinator: INSTITUT NATIONAL DE RECHERCHE POUR L’AGRICULTURE, L’ALIMENTATION ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT

Duration: 01.05.2024. – 31.10.2025.

Web page: https://eng-agrowise.hub.inrae.fr/

Project Summary

The European Green Deal notes the urgent need to reduce the use/risk of pesticides. To achieve reduction targets, the Sustainable Use Directive, SUD, which outlined approaches (e.g. Integrated Pest Management, IPM) to reduce pesticide usage was adopted in 2009. One way of achieving this objective is through the design of binding crop-specific rules for pest management. The challenge is magnified by the (i) absence of a guidance framework to support Member States to develop crop-specific rules (ii) need to identify cost-effective supports that minimise the use/risk of pesticides beyond obligatory baseline requirements (iii) lack of a forum for proactive stakeholder engagement. In response, Agrowise will develop tailored recommendations for major arable and perennial crops, [as well as grasslands]. Adhering to IPM principles encompassing diverse pedoclimatic conditions, Agrowise will lead the co-design of a guidance framework that enables the development of crop-specific rules, while also coordinating a forum of competent authorities and relevant stakeholder groups. This will deliver an essential mechanism to support constructive, problem solving, harmonizing approaches across the EU while also assessing IPM tailored support schemes.

Agrowise goals will be achieved via a consortium of research institutions/competent authorities (from 8 Member States), collectively providing extensive trans-disciplinary experience and sectoral understanding of crop protection and agroecological transition determinants. The strategic aim of Agrowise is to support an evidence-based implementation of the SUD. The consortium will draw collective expertise from members in the European Research Alliance “Towards a chemical Pesticide-Free Agriculture” to achieve this. By supporting Member States in setting up, assessing and implementing crop specific rules in accordance with IPM principles, Agrowise will contribute to the adoption of assessed IPM practices, thereby supporting EU policy in this field.

Innovative Models For Sustainable Future Of Mediterranean Pastoral Systems

Funded by: PRIMA Program

Project acronym: PASTINNOVA

Coordinator: ELGO-DIMITRA

Duration: 01.05.2022. – 30.04.2025.

Web page: https://pastinnova.eu/

Project Summary

The key objective of PASTINNOVA is to re-enforce the sustainability, profitability and resilience of small pastoral farms, by setting up innovations, business and organizational models to valorise their full potential as drivers towards agro-ecological transition in livestock production. PASTINNOVA examines pastoral systems which despite the multiple challenges they face – are able to provide a broad array of ecosystem services along with high-quality products (dairy, meat, wool and processed) in a variety of agro-ecological and socioeconomic Mediterranean settings. The project proposes a holistic interdisciplinary approach to improve the weak positioning of pastoral smallholders in Value Chains of Pastoral products (VCP), with particular focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. women, young farmers, migrant workers).

Based on the Living Laboratories approach, a common network will be established to co-create solutions for farmer organizations, farm management and VCP through the integration of needs, capacities and experiences of actors (e.g. farmers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, retailers, policy makers, researchers). Selected IBM will be tested and implemented in small-scale and assessed for their sustainability (economic, social, environmental). This way, PASTINNOVA will deliver upscaled, accessible and profitable IBM adapted to the characteristics of Mediterranean pastoralists and territories and propose a supportive policy framework and arrangements for access to markets. PASTINNOVA envisages to upscale the role of pastoralism by pooling a rich variety of existing resources of project partners, their experience and networks, including the outputs of numerous pastoral-related projects.

Legumes In Biodiversity-Based Farming Systems In Mediterranean Basin

Funded by: PRIMA Program

Project acronym: LEGU-MED

Coordinator: Università di Firenze, UNIFI – PU

Duration: 01.11.2020. – 01.02.2024.

Web page: https://mel.cgiar.org/projects/legu-med2

Project Summary

The main objective of this project is to put forward an international and well-integrated plan to valorize the legume agrobiodiversity of Mediterranean in biodiversity-based farming systems and consequently enhance agro-ecosystem functions and services in the Mediterranean basin. The proposal use lentils and chickpeas as models for all grain legumes. LEGU-MED aims at valorizing, restoring and managing Mediterranean legume biodiversity including neglected genotypes and wild crop relatives.

This objective will be obtained through: 1) an agronomic, phenotypic and molecular evaluation of wild relatives, land races, neglected genotypes, elite cultivars of lentil and chickpea obtained from different regions of the Mediterranean basin, 2) development of improved traditional farming systems using different strategies: i) diversification, ii) multi-crop rotations, iii) biological regulation of ecosystems, iv) enhanced plant-microbe symbiosis, v) natural resource conservation. The efforts are also put on improving traditional agricultural systems to overcome limitations of yields, and quality of productions through the use of innovative technologies and approaches such as: 1) highly diverse conservation agriculture systems, 2) plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), 3) next-generation sequencing, 4) advanced molecular markers, 5) diversity-based ecosystem services as substitute for external inputs, 6) precision agriculture and phenomics, 7) learning-support and participatory methods for stakeholder involvement.

A multi-disciplinary consortium is composed by 11 partners from 8 countries and consisting of 5 public universities, 5 research centers and 1 company. Project activities are designed to increase ecosystem services, maintain soil fertility, minimize the use of synthetic chemical compounds, and maintain a satisfactory and steady income for growers. LEGU-MED use a participatory process where a subset of stakeholder’s community are involved in the co-creation of innovative solutions.

Mauremys Rivulata - Conservation Of The Umbrella Species Of The Mediterranean Wetlands In Dubrovnik - Neretva County, Life21-Nat-Hr-Life For Mauremys

Funded by: LIFE Program

Project acronym: Climate Farm Demo (CFD)

Coordinator: University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture

Duration: 01.10.2022. – 30.09.2026.

Web page: https://life4mauremys.agr.hr/

Project Summary

LIFE for Mauremys is an ambitious 4-year project aiming to improve the unfavourable conservation status of iconic freshwater turtle species, the Balkan Terrapin (Mauremys rivulata), in Croatia. Project is designed to address all of the known drivers of M. rivulata decline across five Natura 2000 sites in Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia (including all of the known Croatian populations), and at the same time conduct an assisted breeding programme to provide much needed population reinforcement for one of them (considered locally extinct until 2019). Our concrete actions include working closely with the local community on habitat restoration of ponds (35 hectares) and additional wetland habitats across four Natura 2000 sites (2850 hectares), improving habitat quality and connectivity, removing invasive alien species, securing the turtle nesting sites from predators and invasive agricultural practices through collaboration with landowners, and developing turtle-friendly fyke-net to address the by-catch mortality.

We will implement a breeding programme in Zagreb ZOO with the specific objective of producing 40 hatchlings of Mauremys rivulata that will be ready by the project end for soft-release in one of our project areas, enabling us to save one of the most threatened populations of this species in Croatia from the brink of extinction, and providing media attention which we will use to raise awareness about the importance of Balkan terrapin, biodiversity protection, and Natura 2000 network. We believe that the proposed project activities will lead to the expected outcomes thanks to the comprehensives of planned actions, our plan to work closely with the local community, and the interdisciplinary and intersectoral strength of our partnership structure. We see LIFE for Mauremys as a start of the long-term success for conservation of Mauremys rivulata and Mediterranean wetland habitats, starting from Croatia but reaching across its entire range.

Monetary Valuation Of Soil Ecosystem Services And Creation Of Initiatives To Invest In Soil Health: Setting A Framework For The Inclusion Of Soil Health In Business And In The Policy Making Process

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: InBestSoil

Coordinator: Universidad De Vigo

Duration: 01.01.2023. – 31.12.2026.

Web page: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101091099

Project Summary

More than half of Europe’s soils are degraded by pollution, erosion, and compaction, among other problems, and, in a climate change scenario, this degradation is likely to worsen. Currently, the loss of soil quality is costing an estimated €50 billion per year. However, soil health is still considered an abstract concept that cannot be introduced into financial activities and on which it is very difficult to legislate.

The objective of InBestSoil is to co-create a framework for investment in conservation and recovery of soil health, by developing an economic valuation system of the ecosystem services delivered by a healthy soil and the impacts of soil interventions, and its incorporation into business models and incentives. This will allow public and private organizations to give economic value to their actions over soil health, codesign strategies with local stakeholders, and work collectively to deliver national and EU policy ambitions. InBestSoil will provide data, evidence, tools and models to assess how investment in soil health can contribute to the transition to a long-term resilient and sustainable use of soil, using 6 lighthouses and 3 living labs, which provides a total of 9 study areas across 4 biogeographic regions from Europe (Boreal, Continental, Atlantic, Mediterranean), and different land uses (agriculture, forest, urban, mining), as models for co-creation and co-design (multi-actor approach, responsible research and innovation and open science). This 48-month project will involve twenty partners from ten countries, with very different profiles (universities, small and medium-sized

enterprises, consultancies, farmers, and NOGs, among others). This design will facilitate the scaling up of results and their internationalisation, facilitating investments in soil health for companies, public administrations and investment groups around the globe.

Networking, Partnerships And Tools To Enhance In Situ Conservation Of European Plant Genetic Resources

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: Farmer’s Pride

Coordinator: The University of Birmingham

Duration: 01.11.2017. – 31.07.2021.

Web page: https://more.bham.ac.uk/farmerspride/

Project Summary

The overarching objective of Farmer’s Pride is to establish a network of stakeholders and conservation sites that effectively coordinates conservation actions to safeguard the wealth of Europe’s in situ plant genetic resources (PGR) and integrates the user community to maximize their sustainable use. Specifically, to address the challenge and scope of the SFS-04-2017 work programme, Farmer’s Pride will: a) build relationships between existing diverse PGR stakeholder networks, and where necessary create new partnerships to establish a unified network of stakeholders involved in PGR conservation and sustainable use; b) enhance existing knowledge of European landrace and crop wild relative genetic diversity and showcase how it can be effectively secured and managed; c) use social science and economic tools to establish the value of in situ PGR populations and individual traits, as well as a cost effective means of conserving them; d) use predictive characterization methods to identify valuable traits in in situ PGR populations, targeting those most vital for satisfying future agricultural and market needs; e) establish a mechanism to facilitate the flow of plant genetic material from in situ populations to the user community, both directly and via ex situ collections; f) develop and establish a durable governance and resourcing structure for the European network of in situ PGR conservation sites and stakeholders; g) promote public awareness of the value of PGR for agriculture and consumers; and h) design and implement a network of European sites and stakeholders that conserves the breadth of PGR diversity found in situ.

Through these activities, Farmer’s Pride will result in significant strengthening of European capacities for the conservation, management and sustainable use of in situ PGR as a foundation for increased competitiveness in the farming and breeding sectors, and ultimately for long-term food and nutritional security in Europe.

Prevention And Management Of Adverse Impact Of Ornamental Invasive Alien Plant Species On Endangered Habitat Types And Species Of Eu Importance

Funded by: LIFE Program

Project acronym: LIFE22-NAT-SI-LIFE OrnamentalIAS

Coordinator: ZAVOD REPUBLIKE SLOVENIJE ZA VARSTVO NARAVE

Duration: 01.10.2023. – 30.09.2029.

Web page: https://invazivne-tujerodne-vrste.si/prva/aktivnosti/projekti/lifeornamentalias/

Project Summary

Many invasive alien plants (IAP) have been introduced for horticultural use and their spread to natural habitats threats species and habitats of EU importance . Project will focus on IAS of Union concern and IAS, that negatively affect the conservation status and trends of species and habitats of EU importance.

Promoting Stakeholder Adherence To Mediterranean Diet On Campus Through Menu Interventions And Social Marketing Strategies

Funded by: PRIMA Program

Project acronym: MedDietMenus4Campus

Coordinator: Faculdade de Ciências da Nutrição e Alimentação da Universidade do Porto

Duration: 15.05.2023. – 14.05.2026.

Web page: https://mel.cgiar.org/projects/1925?iframe=true

Project Summary

Food service comprises the production of meals consumed outside the home, including consumers from all age groups and in different sectors. This service sector has evolved through the years, providing an increasing number of meals, which have been drifting away from the Mediterranean Food Pattern. Food service is an important setting for public health interventions, educating consumers and modulating behaviours through the meals provided.

Prior research on eating habits has mainly focused on a single stakeholder – typically consumers – and on a narrow set of outcome variables. Although these studies provide important clues about the determinants of adherence to food offer, research has yet to address this issue using an integrative approach of multiple stakeholders (e.g., the consumers, food providers, decisors) across a set of different variables. Also, intervention initiatives, usually act only on the environment without strategies that efficiently engage all the stakeholders involved.

Social Marketing is one of the strategies, empirically verified, designed to promote change behavior, which contributions to health and well being of citizens are positively recognized by many. Establishing and managing long-term partnerships that include different groups of stakeholders – consumers, government, retailers and other players – are key elements in the application of mid and upstream social marketing to complex issues.

This project, developed in Portugal, Turkey, and Croatia, aims to identify the compliance of food service menus with the Mediterranean Diet in public high education institutes canteens, pinpointing opportunities to intervene, namely: 1) promoting changes in the food offer addressing proximity to the Mediterranean Food Pattern, creating, and offering plant-based meals, with seasonable and local food products and 2) developing tailored social marketing strategies to engaging stakeholders to encourage healthier and sustainable food habits. It gathers a team comprised of nutrition experts on public health and food service, food technologists, gastronomy experts, psychologists, and marketers, with a vast experience and professional skills.

To achieve the objectives researches will: 1) develop and index to evaluate compliance of menus with the Mediterranean Diet; 2) based on personal interviews, define priority stakeholders and define methodology for engagement; 3) evaluate perceptions, barriers and facilitators through self-administered surveys and in-depth interviews; 4) develop of a 1-month meal plan framework; 5) develop tools concerning the concept premises to empower the catering employees and consumers to understand the proposed menu methodology; 6) develop a new food concept/product “student bag” (meal on the go) and test it for industry scale up; 7) use previous diagnose to develop social/emotional marketing strategies directed to stakeholders and consumers to achieve food behaviour change and 8) measure the impacts of the implemented strategies through a feasibility test.

The project’s main ambition is to change the food service paradigm, by creating and implementing a new healthy and sustainable food service concept that truly complies with the Mediterranean diet, as well as solutions that comply with consumers new needs, and also developing and implementing strategies that engage all the stakeholders with this concept. We expect to create the reference in terms of food offer that will be demanded by consumers of the next generations and the standpoint to inspire the other food service sectors/ settings achieving an effective and sustainable food offer change and positively influence food service consumers’ food pattern towards Mediterranean recommendations, while addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (3 – good health and 12 – responsible consumption and production; 17 – partnerships for the goals).

Regreen Croatia - Shaping A 'Living Lab As A Service' Model For Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Funded by: EIT – European Institute of Innovation & Technology

Project acronym: REGREEN

Coordinator: Trinity College Dublin, Irland

Duration: 01.09.2021. – 31.12.2021.

Web page: https://www.agr.unizg.hr/upload/news/2021/regreen_leaflet.pdf

Project Summary

Amid the urgent need to address the numerous and diverse negative impacts of climate change, the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Zagreb has identified opportunities to leverage its extensive knowledge base to tackle these challenges, particularly pollution and the urban heat island effect in Zagreb and beyond.

SOLUTION

To support this course, the Faculty of Agriculture has partnered with the School of Natural Sciences at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, to design and develop a Living Lab as a Service model. This model will provide a comprehensive, tailored tool for training diverse participants in problem-solving and in developing nature-based climate solutions.

The proposed service will offer tools to identify and understand project challenges, while also creating visual representations to support action and change. It will employ customized and state-of-the-art methods for education, teaching, co-creation, and the development of innovative educational materials. These materials will help students and other key community stakeholders address climate change challenges, with the goal of developing effective solutions.

PROCESS

The entire process is funded and supported by EIT Climate-KIC. Experts from Trinity College Dublin will assist in training local trainers in the design and development of appropriate educational materials, as well as a practical handbook to guide local implementation of the program.

This will enable replication of the Living Lab as a Service model within the local context and support its wider adoption across Croatia and the region. The three-month project aims to position the Faculty of Agriculture—particularly the Department of Ornamental Plants and Landscape Architecture—as a leading institution in nature-based climate solutions in Croatia and the wider region.

This skills-based educational approach will be adopted by the “challenge owner” and integrated into its educational offerings. Other educational institutions in Croatia, and potentially across Central and Eastern Europe, will be engaged as prospective adopters of the program, thereby achieving broader impact through replication and scaling.

PROJECT PHASES

The proposed project will connect the introduction of a skills-based, problem-solving educational approach with climate education and scientific knowledge developed in academic settings. This approach enables contributions from a wide range of knowledge sources by identifying and incorporating the voices of key stakeholders.

The relevance of these stakeholders cannot be overstated, as they will play a significant role in contextual analysis, in understanding challenges more broadly, and in facilitating co-creation processes. This will lead to more appropriate, context-sensitive, and scalable solutions, particularly addressing urban heat islands while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Responsible Research And Innovation Grounding Practices In Biosciencies

Funded by: Horizon 2020

Project acronym: RESBIOS

Coordinator: Università degli studi di Roma Tor Vergata

Duration: 01.01.2020. – 31.12.2022.

Web page: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/872146

Project Summary

The objective of RESBIOS is to introduce and sustain the practice of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in the biosciences through the implementation of targeted actions.

The project focuses on the biosciences sector, which represents a key intersection in the relationship between science and society. RESBIOS will establish a co-learning environment involving four partners implementing RRI practices (“RRI beginners”), “RRI mentors” who have already participated in EU projects on RRI in biosciences, partners with expertise in evaluation and technical support, an international Scientific Advisory Board, representatives of other EU projects, and representatives of “Quadruple Helix” stakeholders.

Smart Integration Of Genetics With Sciences Of The Past In Croatia: Minding And Mending The Gap

Funded by: Horizon 2020

Project acronym: MendTheGap

Coordinator: University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture

Duration: 01.02.2016. – 31.01.2019.

Web page: http://mendthegap.agr.hr/

Project Summary

This project is an innovative opportunity to mend several gaps in the research capacity in Croatia in Archaeology, Genetics, and other ‘Sciences of the Past’ by twinning a consortium of Croatian researchers (CrEAMA Initiative) with archaeological scientists from the University of Cambridge (UCAM) and the University of Pisa (UP).

The project exploits location-specific advantages that arise from two crucial facts. Firstly, there is large number of archaeological sites and remains in Croatia that are relatively understudied. Secondly there is a group of researchers (CrEAMA Initiative) whose research capacity, impact, and grant success at the European level has not realised full potential owing to a relative lack of resources, coordination, and strategic planning. This project will unlock this latent scientific potential by developing multi-inter-trans- disciplinary (MIT disciplinary) expertise.

Our ultimate vision is to develop a research group capable of using an MIT disciplinary approach to Sciences of the Past; this will be a powerful force for innovation and will contribute to resolving contemporary issues. This vision will be realised through support from our partners: the UCAM and the UP. Both institutions display success in Archaeology, Genetics and other Sciences of the Past, and have proven track records in applying for and completing EU-funded research projects.

Goals

The first goal is to establish and integrate the existing MIT disciplinary scientific research community in Croatia.

The second goal is to upgrade and intensify scientific research of CrEAMA Initiative by utilising recent methodological achievements in genetics (NGS) and other biological disciplines (GMM).

The third goal is to foster integration of the CrEAMA Initiative into ERA. Our last goal is to commercialise and integrate the CrEAMA Initiative research with the needs of society (local community) at the local (Korčula Island), regional (Dalmatia), national, European (web) and global (web) level.

Strengthening European Food Chain Sustainability By Quality And Procurement Policy

Funded by: Horizon 2020

Project acronym: Strength2Food

Coordinator: UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Duration: 01.03.2016. – 31.05.2021.

Web page: https://www.strength2food.eu/

Project Summary

Strength2Food is a 5-year EU-funded project that started in March 2016.

Recently in the European Union, both EU quality policy and Public Sector Food Procurement have witnessed recent reforms. These changes focus on improving and promoting schemes that protect quality logos (names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs) and take into account environmental, social and innovation-based criteria when awarding the public sector contracts to procurers and suppliers.

However, further research is needed: on how quality logos can be harnessed further to positively affect rural development, particularly in disadvantaged areas to evaluate how the reforms are being applied in practice, how they can be improved and how to make them more effective in the future.

This project will provide the EU and its Member States with evidence-based recommendations. These recommendations will be implemented and verified through innovative pilot actions.

Strength2Food will identify and implement strategies for upscaling: creating new and expanding existing markets for quality food products and fostering the development of an ‘economy of quality’. Specifically, Strength2Food will:

1. Aid policy makers and other relevant stakeholders in improving the effectiveness of current policies on food quality designations and public sector food procurement to enhance their sustainability and promotion of healthy and nutritious diets.

2. Develop and deliver effective policies for improving the overall sustainability of agriculture and capacity for balanced nutrition.

3. Demonstrate and validate how to stimulate the development of new quality markets and local food chains through pilot initiatives and innovative actions.

4. Maximise the impact of the project’s activities and achievements through effective knowledge exchange and communication with a wide range of relevant stakeholders on up-to-date sustainable practices.

Twinning Open Data Operational

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: TODO

Coordinator: University of Zagreb Faculty of Geodesy

Duration: 01.10.2019. – 31.03.2023.

Web page: https://www.strength2food.eu/

Project Summary

The project “Twinning Open Data Operational” (TODO) aims to leverage the interdisciplinary scientific excellence and innovation capacity of the University of Zagreb (UNIZG) in the field of open data to boost the supply and use of open government data in Croatia and beyond. Open data initiatives have resulted in greater availability of data, thereby realising ambitions such as improved efficiency and effectiveness of public services, increased transparency, accountability and citizen participation, and economic and social value creation. Open data research is a crucial component in creating and accelerating sustainable and innovative open data ecosystems. However, open data and open data research in Croatia are still in its infancy. With the support of key organizations in the Croatian open data ecosystem and esteemed national and international experts, TODO will enhance the research capacity and research excellence in open data research of UNIZG and its staff through the partnership with two leading universities in the open data domain, University of the Aegean (UAEGEAN) and Delft University of Technology (TUDELFT). TODO will develop and implement an interdisciplinary multi-domain open data research approach to increase the maturity of the concept and impact of the open data ecosystem in Croatia and beyond.

The activities directed at training, knowledge exchange, collaboration, outreach and long-term sustainability should establish an internationally leading open data research ecosystem at the UNIZG. Through research, TODO will explore the gaps between supply and demand of open data and build understanding of an open data ecosystem in Croatia. Participation in existing international networks, together with the newly built scientific excellence and innovation capacity and increased mobility of UNIZG staff, will stimulate success in attracting research and education funding and the establishment of a sustainable academic open data research ecosystem in the University of Zagreb.

Soil Health And Agriculture Resilience Through An Integrated Geographical Information Systems Of Mediterranean Drylands

Funded by: Horizon Europe

Project acronym: SHARInG-MeD

Coordinator: Università di Pisa

Duration: 01.06.2023. – 31.05.2026.

Web page: https://linktr.ee/sharingmed

Project Summary

The general objective of SHARInG-MeD is building an open and concerted soil monitoring scheme to integrate physico-chemical, biological (microbes, nematodes, invertebrates, plants), agronomic, economic and environmental indicators of the Mediterranean croplands; build models of the soil properties at the wide scale; changes of soil properties at the fine scale; relationship between land or crop (especially soil) management practices with environmental and economic performances of the agricultural systems or crops; models of harmonization of soil data among various public databases; and foster the diffusion of the soil improving practices (conservation agriculture, application of organic materials, use of beneficial microbes) in the Mediterranean drylands, with special emphasis to the West Asia and Nord Africa (WANA). An active promotion of the advantages and limitations of these strategies (land use and land use change, conservation practices, organic amendments and beneficial microbes) and of the Horizon Europe Soil Mission will be pursued by website, mass and social media activities, magazine and scientific publications, photos, videos, congress, high school lessons, farmers’ school, and a Massive Open Online Course on the project activities. These data and models will increase the agriculture sustainability by informing stakeholders on the use of and relationships among these indicators for Mediterranean landscape and crop sustainable managements and will provide a tool to modulate the contribution of agriculture on the mitigation of the climate change.

Valorizing Agrifood Residues For Bio-Based Packaging Solutions

Funded by: PRIMA Program

Project acronym: AgriBioPack

Coordinator: University of Split

Duration: 01.06.2024. – 31.05.2027.

Web page: https://www.croris.hr/projekti/projekt/11681

Project Summary

The AgriBioPack project seeks to revolutionize packaging in the Mediterranean food supply chain by developing innovative bio-based active packaging solutions. These solutions, including films, mats, and coatings, are designed to modulate the microbiome in Mediterranean products, effectively extending their shelf life and reducing food waste. The project’s specific objectives are:

1. Identify and select promising agrifood residues for biopolymer and bioactive compound extraction, creating a comprehensive database for sustainable resource utilization.

2. Extract and characterize biopolymers, functional compounds, and microbiomes from selected residues for use in packaging solutions.

3. Explore alternative production routes, including fermentation processes, to harness microbiome-based approaches for food preservation.

4. Optimize biopolymer-based films and coatings, incorporating recovered constituents from agrifood residues, to maximize shelf-life extension.

5. Evaluate the developed packaging solutions for barrier properties, mechanical strength, and their ability to reduce food waste, while ensuring safety and consumer satisfaction.

6. Integrate ICT-based solutions, including in-pack sensors and smartphone applications, to enable real-time monitoring of food products, thereby enhancing food safety and reducing waste.

7. Assess the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of bio-based packaging solutions, promoting eco-friendly practices in the food supply chain.

FAZOS Actual Scientific Projects

The impact of agroforestry practices on agroecological parameters

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-18, Project acronym: AGROŠUMENKO, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Vladimir Ivezić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: Vladimir.Ivezic@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Agroforestry systems of mixed production (alley cropping) combine the cultivation of field crops with woody crops in shelterbelts and represent a response to the negative effects of climate change. These systems can improve microclimatic conditions, yield stability, soil quality, biodiversity and open up new sources of income, but they are still insufficiently researched in the conditions of eastern Croatia. The aim of the project is to examine the agroecological effects of the combined production of field crops and short rotation woody crops (acacia, willow, poplar) over a four-year period, with an emphasis on yields, biological properties of plants, biomass of woody crops and physicochemical and biological properties of the soil. The results will contribute to scientific excellence and provide a practical basis for more sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-smart agriculture.

Nutritional modeling and metabolomics in the function of improving livestock production

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-26, Project acronym: HRAMSTOC, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Zvonko Antunović

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: zvonko.antunovic@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The aim of the research is to determine the possibility of partial or complete replacement of soy in the diets of domestic animals in order to ensure a high-quality protein component. The above was initiated by the increasing price of soy, fears of GMO soy, but also due to the implementation of the new EU regulation on deforestation and forest degradation, which will further burden the price of soy on the world market. By finding and determining the benefits of using different feed materials (beans, pumpkin seed cake) and their optimal share in diets, the justification for their use in domestic animals will be determined. With the ban on the use of antibiotics in domestic animal feed, alternatives are sought, including the use of feed materials/additives rich in various biostimulants, which can include the purslane plant (Portulaca oleracea L.), which we will add to the feed mixtures of the research animals. The state and development guidelines of individual livestock branches, the metabolic profile of ruminants, and the content of microplastic particles in food will also be developed, which will serve as a starting point for further research. The impact of various nutritional treatments in the diets of domestic animals will be carried out by monitoring production properties and product quality, metabolic and health status, and metabolomic indicators, which will help in choosing which feedstuffs/additives can be used and in what proportion to replace soybeans in diets, and in what quantity to use soybean meal in the diets of individual species of domestic animals.

Biopesticides and biostimulants - an innovative approach to sustainable agriculture

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-23, Project acronym: BioPestStim, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Associate prof.dr.sc. Marija Ravlić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: Marija.Ravlic@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The use of environmentally friendly preparations is a key component in sustainable agricultural systems. The project is based on an interdisciplinary research on the potential of botanical biopesticides and biostimulants based on locally and regionally collected plant materials. The aim of the project is to integrate field, laboratory and field research to collect, identify and analyze bioactive components of wild and cultivated plant species. By applying plant preparations obtained by different extraction methods, their fungicidal, allelopathic, herbicidal and insecticidal effects on harmful organisms are evaluated, as well as their stimulatory potential on plant growth, soil and nematode community diversity. Plant extracts and essential oils, especially those obtained from wild and invasive species, represent readily available and sustainable resources that can be produced and used locally. In addition to demonstrating biological efficacy, their compatibility with beneficial soil microorganisms is also studied, which further confirms their safety and potential application in integrated plant protection strategies. The project provides a scientific basis for the development of innovative, environmentally friendly biopesticide and biostimulant products that support sustainability, productivity and environmental conservation in agricultural practices

Sustainable and circular development of beef cattle breeding within the agricultural sector of the Republic of Croatia

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-27, Project acronym: BEEFLOOP-HR, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Assistant prof.dr.sc. David Kranjac

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: david.kranjac@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The project is based on an interdisciplinary approach to the development of the beef cattle sector within the agricultural sector of the Republic of Croatia. The aim is to cover economic, market, environmental and social aspects through the integration of experts from different fields. Macro- and microeconomic analysts focus on modeling key markets, calculations and analysis of agricultural policy, with a special emphasis on the role of the CAP and the beef cattle sector. Marketing and consumer behavior experts investigate customer preferences for beef cattle products – including quality labels, origin and sustainability – and producer behavior in relation to incentive measures and resource conservation. In the circular economy component, the possibility of energy valorization of crop residues and manure in biogas production is being investigated. The sociological aspect includes research on social capital, willingness to associate and institutional support in rural areas, with the aim of strengthening social cohesion and local initiatives. The project provides a scientific basis for the strategic orientation of the beef cattle sector towards a sustainable, competitive and socially responsible development model.

Enrichment of vegetables and medicinal herbs with microelements through biofortification

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-29, Project acronym: BioHORT, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Zdenko Lončarić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: zdenko.loncaric@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Malnutrition of humans with selenium and zinc is a significant nutritional problem, both in Croatia and worldwide. Agronomic biofortification is one of the effective ways to reduce malnutrition by enriching food primarily of plant origin, with the great importance of the enrichment of vegetables due to their share in the diet of the population and of medicinal herbs due to the expected positive effect on health, which affects consumer preferences. The main goal of this four-year project is to create models that will be able to predict the effectiveness of various techniques of agronomic biofortification of vegetables and medicinal herbs, including the innovative use of mixtures of microorganisms in the biofortification process. The goals of the project are also to develop a technology for preparing biofortified medicinal herbs for the production of food supplements and to analyze consumer preferences for biofortified vegetables and medicinal herbs. The achievement of the goals will be enabled by detailed research of two types of vegetables and two types of medicinal herbs in controlled conditions and in field conditions using different amounts and methods of Se and Zn application and using different mixtures of microorganisms, as well as by researching consumer preferences. The research will improve existing and develop new methods of Se and Zn analysis and use the latest digital tools for model development. It is expected that the research results will be incorporated into models for selecting the optimal method of biofortification depending on the soil, production method, type of vegetable or medicinal herb and the goal of biofortification.

Innovative chickpea cultivation to reduce the impact of global warming

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-28, Project acronym: Cicer Twin, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Davor Kralik

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: davor.kralik@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Global temperature increases are an unavoidable fact, which is particularly problematic in the cultivation of spring crops in the continental part of the Republic of Croatia. In conditions of elevated temperatures, commonly sown spring crops are subject to more stress, which leads to increased use of chemical protection agents. The reduction of humus and precipitation due to poor tillage and without the return of organic fertilizers further reduces moisture for spring crops, which can be mitigated by reducing soil exposure to the sun, through sowing in double rows (so-called “twin rows”), which covers more of the soil surface, as well as by introducing crops more resistant to high temperatures, such as chickpeas, into crop rotations. The introduction of chickpeas to continental Croatia is in itself very innovative, because chickpeas have a number of advantages over soybeans (they need less water, they can withstand higher, but also lower temperatures). They also do not contain high amounts of phytic acids like soybeans. In addition to the introduction of chickpeas, an innovative concept is the use of a twin row seeder for sowing chickpeas. The sowing unit would be equipped with a device for precise sowing, which would apply new IT technologies. Also, several chickpea cultivars would be tested, and the most suitable agricultural techniques would be determined, and through processing and processing, and laboratory analyses of the grain, the useful characteristics of chickpeas in the food industry, feed production, but also their usability as a renewable energy source would be determined.

Optimizing the sustainability of animal production under climate change: integrating genetic, environmental and technological factors

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-15, Project acronym: OPTI-ANIMAL, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Vesna Gantner

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: vgantner@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The aim of the project is to develop and implement ecologically and economically sustainable models of animal production in the context of climate change, through the integration of genetic, environmental and nutritional factors. The research will be conducted on selected farm systems over a period of 36 months, collecting data on productivity, health, environmental conditions, nutrition, genetic basis and economic indicators. Statistical and genetic analysis will include the application of digital tools (SAS, VCE6, PEST), with the aim of identifying optimal strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane), improving production efficiency and system resilience. The project encourages the digitalization of research, the development of a central database and the dissemination of results through digital platforms and scientific publications. The expected outcome of the project includes concrete recommendations for the optimization of breeding practices, animal selection and environmental management, which will contribute to the national and European goals of climate neutrality and resilience of the agricultural sector. The project actively involves young researchers and students, strengthens scientific and research capacities and ensures the sustainability of results through their further application in education, advisory services and the economy.

Biologically active heterocyclic compounds for use in plant and human health protection

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-20, Project acronym: HETPROTECT, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Associate prof.dr.sc. Dejan Agić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: dagic@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Heterocyclic compounds (heterocycles) are compounds characterized by rings containing at least one heteroatom such as nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. Heterocycles can be both organic and inorganic, but organic heterocycles are of particular importance as they represent the basic structure of numerous natural substances, plant protection products and pharmaceuticals. This project will investigate the impact of selected heterocycles for agrochemical applications in plant protection and with potential properties important for the protection of human health. The project will be implemented in several steps: selection of heterocyclic compounds; determining the activity of heterocycles against beneficial and pathogenic bacteria and fungi; determining the effect of heterocyclic compounds on biological activities for the protection of human health (antidiabetic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure regulation); research on the relationship between structure and activity and the quantitative relationship between structure and activity using computer methods and predicting the activity of future compounds; application of molecular fitting to elucidate the mechanism of action of the most active compounds with enzymes that represent important targets for plant pathogens, i.e. activities related to the protection of human health. By combining chemical and agronomic sciences, this project aims to promote the application and development of novel heterocyclic compounds as bioactive substances with the aim of protecting plants and improving human health. The project also emphasizes the importance of computational methods as an indispensable tool in modern agrochemical and (bio)chemical research.

Standardization and modeling of freshness indicators for meat labeling purposes

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-22, Project acronym: SiMPSOM, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Goran Kušec

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: goran.kusec@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The project aims to develop a scientifically based system for the objective assessment of the freshness of pork, poultry, and beef by integrating physicochemical, molecular, microbiological, and sensory indicators, as well as consumer perception. Meat freshness is crucial for food safety, market acceptance, and competitiveness; however, a comprehensive approach to its assessment is currently lacking. The project will include systematic laboratory analyses of meat quality at multiple time points during storage. The research is designed as a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that includes the measurement of physicochemical properties such as pH, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, texture, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), and DNA integrity, along with the application of PCR/qPCR techniques for the detection of freezing and the prediction of spoilage at different time intervals during storage. The studies will be conducted under controlled industrial conditions as well as in retail environments, including samples from domestic production and imports from EU countries. In addition, consumer perception studies and sensory evaluations will be carried out, and all collected data will be used to develop predictive models using artificial intelligence tools. By applying machine learning algorithms (e.g. PCA, SVM, ANN), meat freshness classification models will be developed with the aim of implementation in industrial and inspection practices. The project will deliver innovative tools for freshness labelling and strengthen the market position of domestic production, particularly in the context of short supply chains and the European “Farm to Fork” strategy.

Genetic Diversity, Hybridization, and Population Structure of Wild Boar in Croatia

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-24, Project acronym: GENSUS, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Nikola Raguž

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: nikola.raguz@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is one of the most ecologically and economically important wild species in Europe, including Croatia. In recent decades, its abundance and distribution have increased, often in the context of fragmented habitats and increased human impact. At the same time, there is growing concern about possible hybridization with domestic pigs, which may threaten the genetic integrity of natural populations. Despite this importance, the genetic structure, diversity, and dynamics of Croatian wild boar populations have not been systematically investigated using modern genomic-population approaches. The GENSUS project (GENetic diversity, hybridisation, and population structure of wild boar (SUS Scrofa) in Croatia) aims to generate high-resolution data on the genetic variability and structure of wild boar populations in Croatia using SNP genotyping and whole-genome sequencing. Sampling is planned from different regions (Slavonia, Baranja, central Croatia, Istria, Gorski kotar, Lika, Dalmatia, islands) in order to cover geographical and ecological diversity. Analyses will include standard population genetics methods (PCA, ADMIXTURE, He, FROH, FST, NeLD, Gene flow), hybridization detection, and assessment of landscape impacts using GIS tools. Special focus will be placed on the identification of population clusters, assessment of interpopulation gene flow and detection of potential connectivity barriers. The results are expected to reveal the pattern of genetic structure of wild boar in Croatia, as well as possible contact or transition zones between autochthonous and hybridized individuals. The obtained data will provide a scientific basis for the development of strategies for the conservation of genetic diversity and long-term management of the species, in accordance with the principles of biodiversity conservation and adaptive resilience of populations in a changing environment.

Ecological and epidemiological role of cicadas (Auchenorrhyncha) and pollinating insects in vineyard ecosystems: Integration of smart technologies and functional biodiversity

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-21, Project acronym: EKOVINTEH, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Associate prof.dr.sc. Ankica Sarajlić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: ankica.sarajlic@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The project focuses on the systematic study of cicada fauna (suborder Auchenorrhyncha) in vineyard ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on identifying potential phytoplasma vectors that pose a threat to grapevine health and productivity. By applying innovative smart traps as digital solutions, the project aims to improve and automate pest monitoring, enabling faster and more precise identification and timely implementation of protective measures. Simultaneously, a detailed inventory of flora and habitat types in vineyards is conducted to understand the ecological relationships between plant communities, potential vectors, and pollinators. The project also investigates the impact of honeybee pollination on fertilization, yield, and grape quality, linking biological processes with agronomic indicators. The project will result in relevant scientific publications and databases that will serve as a foundation for developing sustainable vineyard management strategies, enhancing resilience and productivity. The combination of classical and innovative methods will improve grapevine protection, reduce losses, and promote sustainable and precision agriculture. This approach contributes to the modernization of viticulture by integrating scientific knowledge and smart technologies into practice, while simultaneously supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and knowledge transfer to relevant stakeholders.

Innovative Approaches to Seed Pretreatment of Field Crops in the Regulation of Biologically Active Compounds and Agronomic Traits

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-19, Project acronym: INOPRES, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Assistant prof.dr.sc. Ivana Varga

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: ivana.varga@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The INOPRES project focuses on the investigation of innovative seed pretreatments for arable crops. Seed pretreatments using magnetic fields of varying strength and exposure duration will be applied to alfalfa, aiming to improve germination, yield, and crop quality. Research has shown that magnetic fields of different intensities and exposure times can positively affect germination and plant growth under both optimal and stress conditions (e.g., drought, saline soils), but such studies have not been conducted on alfalfa or other small-seeded forage legumes. Maize and industrial hemp will be analyzed in terms of drought stress tolerance and agronomic traits. The research on maize and industrial hemp will focus on seed pretreatment with selenium, whose effectiveness in mitigating drought stress has been demonstrated in international studies. Some research indicates that low concentrations of selenium enhance plant growth and antioxidant status, while higher doses may have negative effects. To optimize the exposure time and intensity of the magnetic field for alfalfa germination, as well as selenium pretreatment concentrations for alleviating drought stress in maize and industrial hemp, the INOPRES project will conduct preliminary studies under controlled conditions and field trials with selected treatments. The effects of the pretreatments will be assessed through morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters. The project contributes to sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for agrochemicals and is also important for the production of nutritionally valuable food. INOPRES will provide significant contributions to research in this field and enable the development of scientifically based technologies applicable in practice.

Prediction of corn yield potential using machine learning models based on vegetation indices and phenological metrics from Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite images

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-30, Project acronym: AgroVeFe, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Ivan Plaščak

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: iplascak@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Global challenges such as climate change, the reduction of agricultural land, and the growth of the world population require innovative solutions to increase the efficiency and sustainability of agriculture. Precision agriculture, based on digital technologies, offers the potential to optimize agronomic inputs; however, its application in Croatia is limited due to the high costs of sensors and yield mapping systems. This project aims to overcome these barriers by investigating the potential of predicting maize yield using machine learning (ML) models based on vegetation indices (VIs) and feature metrics (FMs) derived from Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite imagery. Reference field yield data were collected through precision harvesting, while the geospatial relationship between yield potential and soil electrical conductivity (EC) will be analyzed to optimize farmland management. The expected contributions include a scientific advancement in determining the optimal combination of VIs and FMs for modeling yield potential using remote sensing, which could potentially reduce costs by minimizing agronomic inputs in precision agriculture. Additionally, the project promotes science dissemination and strengthens collaboration with the industry. The results will contribute to the green transition, digitalization of agriculture, and the reinforcement of national and institutional strategic frameworks, particularly through the integration of satellite data, precision-harvested yield maps (as reference field data), and artificial intelligence. This approach is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Croatian agriculture and support adaptation to global sustainable development trends.

Optimizing pesticide use in permanent crops

Project Code: 581-UNIOS-17, Project acronym: LowVolPest, Project duration: 01.10.2025. – 30.09.2029. (48 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Vjekoslav Tadić

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: vjekoslav.tadic@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Within the four-year research project (two years in apple orchards and two years in vineyards), the aim is to investigate the impact of technical and technological factors of pesticide application on the main research parameters: residues of active substances in fruits, occurrence and progression of pests, fruit quality, and spray deposit and drift. The technical and technological factors of application include the spray volume rate, spray concentration, and nozzle type, together with their sub-factors. The spray volume rate will be determined using the TRV method (Tree Row Volume), as well as with a 50% reduction. Spray concentration will be applied according to recommended rates (FIS registration) and with 20% and 40% reductions. According to the technological protection schedule for permanent crops, pesticide application will be carried out using two nozzle types: standard TR nozzles and air-injection ITR nozzles. Residues of active substances will be determined using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in an accredited laboratory, while fruit quality and the occurrence and progression of pests will be assessed at the Central Laboratory of FAZOS. Spray deposit and drift will be determined using spectrophotometric methods and conducted in accordance with the ISO 22866:2005 standard. Through field experiments, conclusions will be drawn on the possibility of reducing spray volume and concentration (low-volume pesticide management) while maintaining the same or achieving improved biological efficacy against pests, reducing pesticide residue levels in fruits, and enhancing fruit quality. Furthermore, improved spray application quality will reduce drift, contributing to better pest control and enabling a reduction in the number of pesticide applications.

The Effectiveness of Conservation Agriculture in Mitigating Climate Change through Soil Conservation and Carbon Storage

Project Code: IP-2025-02-2870, Project acronym: CARESOIL, Project duration: 01.12.2025. – 30.11.2028. (36 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Danijel Jug

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: djug@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Conservation agriculture represents a key strategy in combating climate change, primarily through soil conservation and increased carbon storage. This project analyzes the effectiveness of methods such as conservation tillage, soil coverage with plant or crop residues, and crop rotation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving soil quality and health. These practices have a positive impact on soil productivity, reducing erosion, degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Through the analysis of existing research and field studies, the project will assess the contribution of conservation agriculture to carbon sequestration and its impact on the productivity and long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. Expected outcomes include a reduction in CO2 emissions, increased soil fertility, improved resilience to extreme weather conditions, and long-term economic benefits for farmers. The project will provide guidelines for the broader adoption of sustainable practices and support policies aimed at climate-smart agriculture.

Phenomic approach to the production of premium pork products

Project Code: IP-2025-02-7984, Project acronym: Pheno4P, Project duration: 30.12.2025. – 29.12.2028. (36 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Ivona Đurkin Kušec

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: ivona.durkin@fazos.hr

Project summary:

The Pheno4P project is focused on interdisciplinary research into the determinants of growth, development, and quality of muscle and adipose tissue in pigs, with the aim of achieving a scientifically grounded valorisation of high value-added products. The project integrates approaches from animal production, phenomics, mathematical modelling, molecular biology, food technology, and consumer preference analysis. The research will be conducted on Croatian indigenous pig breeds: the Black Slavonian pig and the Banija Spotted pig. By applying phenomics and nonlinear growth models, the dynamics of growth and the development of muscle and fat tissues will be analysed, as well as their relationships with the nutritional, technological, and sensory properties of meat and meat products. Transcriptomic and epigenetic analyses will enable the identification of genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in the control of growth, metabolism, and tissue differentiation at key developmental stages. The resulting biological and technological data will be integrated with analyses of consumer perception and preferences, including the application of neuromarketing methods, in order to link objective product characteristics with their market acceptance. The project results will provide a scientific basis for optimising breeding strategies, conserving indigenous pig breeds, and developing competitive, high value-added products.

Nutritive Profile of 'Baby Leaf' Domestic Poppy in the Context of Urban Functional Food

Project Code: UIP-2025-02-9916, Project acronym: BabyPOP, Project duration: 19.02.2026 – 18.02.2031 (60 months)

Project leader: Doc.dr.sc. Ivana Varga

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: ivana.varga@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Domestic poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is mainly cultivated for its seeds, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, and its production is legally regulated in the EU due to opium alkaloids. Interest in the production of poppies is growing in Croatia. Globally, the demand for young plant shoots (baby leaves) is growing due to their nutritional value and functional properties. The aim of this project is the establishment of the production technology of baby leaf poppy in the floating hydroponics system. Such a system enables faster growth, optimization of resources, and production of fast-growing super food throughout the whole year. The other aim of the project is the genotyping of the local poppy population and the development of the methodology for the analysis of biologically active compounds, nutritional composition, and antioxidant activity of baby leaf poppy. The project will optimize the production process of young poppy leaves as a fast-growing super food. According to the available literature, this is the first research that deals with the technology of producing young poppy leaves for salad, which opens up a completely new field of poppy utilization and encourages the revitalization of this culture in Croatia and beyond.

Innovative Approaches in the Development of Imidazoles for Plant ProtectionInnovative Approaches in the Development of Imidazoles for Plant Protection

Project Code: IP-2024-05-6164, Project acronym: DIPP INN, Project duration: 16.12.2024. – 15.12.2027. (36 months)

Project leader: Prof.dr.sc. Vesna Rastija

Organization:

- Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia

Contact: vesna.rastija@fazos.hr

Project summary:

Pesticides play a crucial role in agriculture by combating pests, diseases, and weeds. According to the European Union regulation on placing plant protection products on the market (EC) No. 1107/2009), only substances that have been proven to represent a clear benefit for crop production and are not expected to have any adverse effect on human or animal health or any unacceptable effect on the environment. Imidazoles are an effective pesticide, but only a few were approved by the EC. This project aims to synthesize imidazole derivatives, effective active substances of protective agents, and safe for the environment and human health. This project represents the initial phase of pesticide discovery involving a rational synthesis based on a chemoinformatic approach that enables the preliminary screening of molecules for toxicity and environmental effects. New compounds will be designed based on toxicity assessment using computer methods, and synthesized primarily according to the principles of ''green chemistry''. The effect of new imidazole derivatives on representatives of soil-beneficial and phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and insects will be tested. Since the action of some active components of plant protection products is related to the inhibition of the enzymes cholinesterases, which are important for the normal function of the nervous system in humans, other vertebrates, and insects, in vitro inhibition assay of these two enzymes will be performed. The structure-activity relation and quantitative-structure activity study studies will be applied in the design of novel derivatives of imidazole. Molecular docking will be used to identify the mode of interaction between the active molecule and the target enzyme or protein that is associated with the observed biological activity. The final objective of the project is to propose a new active component of the future plant protection product that is acceptable in integrated plant protection.

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FAZOS Actual Scientific Projects

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