RESILIENT FARMING BY ADAPTIVE MICROCLIMATE MANAGEMENT
Many talk about climate change, but only a few speak on a scientific basis. Even fewer contribute to relative research and produce new knowledge, at a time when agricultural resilience to climatic and extreme weather conditions is more in demand than ever. Over the last 10 months, the Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), under the coordination of Professor of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and CERTH Partner Dr Dimitrios Moshou, has been directing the emblematic research project STARGATE, a Horizon 2020 project, in the field of climate-smart agriculture. STARGATE aspires to develop a smart, multi-layered and holistic approach methodology for climate-smart agriculture, utilizing innovations in microclimate management and broader weather risk management. Its methodology is based on remote sensing technologies, climate intelligence and the Internet of Things, for more effective management of farms and potential climate change adaptation options, as well as development of climate protection policies. STARGATE will have a noteworthy impact on the development of the agricultural sector in Europe due to the ground-breaking advancements that will provide decision-makers responsible for managing agri-food systems with a profound knowledge on how to optimize irrigation of fields and crops taking into consideration temperature, precipitation, soil type and crop growth models among other parameters, under future climate transitions. The project will run until September 2023 and involves 26 partners from Greece, Czech Republic, Israel, Spain, Latvia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Germany, Norway, and Belgium. For further information, https://www.stargate-h2020.eu/ and/or contact Prof. Dimitrios Moshou (dmoshou@auth.gr).