The CLIMED-FRUIT project successfully established and operated a network of Operational Groups (OGs) focused on improving the resilience of Mediterranean perennial crops to climate change. Key achievements include:
• Creation of a core network of 9 OGs from 4 EU Member States.
•Definition of methods to guide project's activities. In total, 4 methods were developed: (i) method for selecting material to be disseminated, (ii) method for selecting materials from operational groups (OG) outside the consortium through an open contest, (iii) method for organizing and holding a crowd-writing contest, and (iv) method for conducting digital cross visits. In addition, 1 common format for extended practice abstract to report OGs objectives, stage of implementation, main expectation and achieved results, 1 guideline for conducting a simplified cost/benefit assessment of practical solutions, and 1 data management plan have also been developed.
• Creation and dissemination of 21 digital stories, 54 practice abstracts, 21 Extended practice abstracts, 1 subtopic review, 13 technical articles, and 10 didactical sheets.
• Implementation of an Open contest and crowd-writing initiative, resulting in additional best practices and solutions ready for application. The consortium organised an open contest targeting other OGs, projects and initiatives that have worked on innovative solutions for adaptation of perennial crops in the Mediterranean Area to climate change. 36 participants responded to the contest. Following the open contest, a web conference was held in March 2024 to pitch their practice in a two-day event, gathering about 1000 people. After the web conference, 12 participants were selected to produce an Extended Practice Abstract and a digital story. Furthermore, a crowd-writing contest targeted solution providers (e.g. products, equipment, processes, services) to select and share additional practices. 12 participants were registered and 9 were selected. They provided an Extended Practice Abstract as well as a short video. A workshop was held (end of RP1) to facilitate partner discussions on challenges and key considerations for finalizing simplified Cost/Benefit Analyses (CBAs).
• Organization of a pan-Mediterranean final conference and over 30 local dissemination events, reaching over 2,500 stakeholders in the Mediterranean region.
• Full translation of outputs into 7 Mediterranean languages and inclusion of results in EU-FarmBook and partners websites for long-term accessibility.
• Establishment of 6 new OGs during the project timeline and new proposals.
