Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Oper8 (European Thematic Network for unlocking the full potential of Operational Groups on alternative weed control)
Période du rapport: 2022-10-01 au 2024-03-31
The use of synthetic pesticides in agriculture has led to increased food production, but this has come at a significant environmental, natural resource, and human health cost. Farmers hesitate to adopt non-chemical weed control due to perceived complexity, cost, and time. Despite EU initiatives like the Green Deal and Biodiversity Strategy aiming to reduce synthetic pesticide use, innovative methods are poorly disseminated and research findings underutilized. Promoting non-chemical weed control requires consolidating the EIP-AGRI OG landscape.
In order to address the aforementioned challenges, Oper8 is promoting innovative, non-chemical weed control methods and increasing the flow of information in the EU. To this end, it draws upon concrete demonstration cases and tangible results from participating and future OGs.
The main objective of Oper8 is to establish a self-sustainable, multi-actor, EU-wide Thematic Network that will support and promote solutions for non-chemical weed control. This will be achieved by building upon the knowledge and outcomes of 8 OGs and stimulating knowledge exchange among all relevant actors and stakeholders.
Objective 1: Establish the Oper8 Thematic Network and Setup National Networks
The goal of creating the Oper8 Thematic Network and forming NNs is twofold: first, to establish a self-sustaining European thematic network centered around eight selected OGs to speed up knowledge sharing, and second, to expand these OGs into NNs within the AKIS ecosystem. This aims to foster collaboration among partner OGs and AKIS participants, thereby boosting the overall impact and efficiency of the Oper8 initiative.
Objective 2: Identify grassroot needs and barriers
In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, it is necessary to adopt a bottom-up approach, whereby the needs of practitioners are captured. This will enable the identification of needs, gaps and barriers, imposed by different contexts, for the broad adoption of solutions. Once these have been identified via the Oper8 project, it will then be possible to develop National Action Plans based on available solutions, needs, gaps and barriers.
Objective 3: Create an Inventory of Solutions
An inventory of solutions should be created based on the outcomes of the OGs and wider scientific research, project results and commercial solutions. This inventory should be created through a process of co-creation and cross-fertilisation through national and European workshops, where the solutions and success stories could be collectively evaluated. Following this, a CBA, readiness and acceptability assessment of selected national action plans should be conducted. Finally, the Best Practices should be selected based on the collective assessment.
Objective 4: Scale up and cross fertilization
In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to adapt and scale up local and transnational knowledge exchange and experiences. Furthermore, it is important to mainstream existing scientific and practical knowledge on non-chemical weed control and to maximise the impact of OGs’ results, through translated/localised Practice Abstracts, Fact Sheets, videos and e-learning material. In addition, it is necessary to create synergies and links amongst stakeholders and with other projects, networks and initiatives. Finally, it is important to develop policy recommendations for the identified target groups and present them in a Parliamentary session, to the European Commission Headquarters, to foster the development of adequate policies within the Eco-schemes, (Pillar II Rural Development Measures).
Objective 5: Communicate, Disseminate and Demonstrate Best-Practices
The Oper8 Communication and Dissemination Plan should be developed carefully to enhance communication and dissemination of project’s outcomes. Best Practices and cross-border exchanges and visits in Demo Farms must be demonstrated. Fact Sheets and Practice Abstracts must be disseminated in the EIP-AGRI format. Audio-video material must be developed for education and vocational training.
In order to address the aforementioned challenges, Oper8 is promoting innovative, non-chemical weed control methods and increasing the flow of information in the EU. To this end, it draws upon concrete demonstration cases and tangible results from participating and future OGs.
The main objective of Oper8 is to establish a self-sustainable, multi-actor, EU-wide Thematic Network that will support and promote solutions for non-chemical weed control. This will be achieved by building upon the knowledge and outcomes of 8 OGs and stimulating knowledge exchange among all relevant actors and stakeholders.
Objective 1: Establish the Oper8 Thematic Network and Setup National Networks
The goal of creating the Oper8 Thematic Network and forming NNs is twofold: first, to establish a self-sustaining European thematic network centered around eight selected OGs to speed up knowledge sharing, and second, to expand these OGs into NNs within the AKIS ecosystem. This aims to foster collaboration among partner OGs and AKIS participants, thereby boosting the overall impact and efficiency of the Oper8 initiative.
Objective 2: Identify grassroot needs and barriers
In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, it is necessary to adopt a bottom-up approach, whereby the needs of practitioners are captured. This will enable the identification of needs, gaps and barriers, imposed by different contexts, for the broad adoption of solutions. Once these have been identified via the Oper8 project, it will then be possible to develop National Action Plans based on available solutions, needs, gaps and barriers.
Objective 3: Create an Inventory of Solutions
An inventory of solutions should be created based on the outcomes of the OGs and wider scientific research, project results and commercial solutions. This inventory should be created through a process of co-creation and cross-fertilisation through national and European workshops, where the solutions and success stories could be collectively evaluated. Following this, a CBA, readiness and acceptability assessment of selected national action plans should be conducted. Finally, the Best Practices should be selected based on the collective assessment.
Objective 4: Scale up and cross fertilization
In order to achieve this objective, it is necessary to adapt and scale up local and transnational knowledge exchange and experiences. Furthermore, it is important to mainstream existing scientific and practical knowledge on non-chemical weed control and to maximise the impact of OGs’ results, through translated/localised Practice Abstracts, Fact Sheets, videos and e-learning material. In addition, it is necessary to create synergies and links amongst stakeholders and with other projects, networks and initiatives. Finally, it is important to develop policy recommendations for the identified target groups and present them in a Parliamentary session, to the European Commission Headquarters, to foster the development of adequate policies within the Eco-schemes, (Pillar II Rural Development Measures).
Objective 5: Communicate, Disseminate and Demonstrate Best-Practices
The Oper8 Communication and Dissemination Plan should be developed carefully to enhance communication and dissemination of project’s outcomes. Best Practices and cross-border exchanges and visits in Demo Farms must be demonstrated. Fact Sheets and Practice Abstracts must be disseminated in the EIP-AGRI format. Audio-video material must be developed for education and vocational training.
The Oper8 Thematic Network project expanded the selected OGs into 7 NNs, chaired by one NNO per OG, to support the broad adoption of alternative weed control solutions. Guidelines and stakeholders’ recruitment were given to establish these NNs (WP1). The role and responsibilities of NNOs are being closely monitored annually. Demonstration events (T5.4) and cross-fertilization activities play a pivotal role in disseminating project activities and engaging stakeholders.
In parallel, the needs, gaps, and barriers (WP2) to the adoption of alternative weed control methods were identified using both bottom-up and top-down approaches. A survey was conducted across all partner countries, resulting in 625 valid responses. In order to validate the results and identify specific needs and barriers per NN, focus groups were conducted. Meanwhile, a comprehensive review of non-chemical weed control practices was completed and compiled into a dataset for the Oper8 digital Inventory, storing all the available alternative weed control solutions from scientific literature, project outcomes, and commercial sources. Country-specific NAPs were drafted, focusing on up to three main crops and incorporating various solutions.
To ensure proper selection of solutions, WP3 builds upon the selected alternative weed control solutions per country, with the objective of providing detailed insights and assessment. The key tasks include two rounds of National & European Workshops, to evaluate with different criteria the selected solutions, which will undergo a CBA analysis and translated to Best Practices. The first round of these workshops was successfully implemented and the CBA analysis is underway.
In parallel, the needs, gaps, and barriers (WP2) to the adoption of alternative weed control methods were identified using both bottom-up and top-down approaches. A survey was conducted across all partner countries, resulting in 625 valid responses. In order to validate the results and identify specific needs and barriers per NN, focus groups were conducted. Meanwhile, a comprehensive review of non-chemical weed control practices was completed and compiled into a dataset for the Oper8 digital Inventory, storing all the available alternative weed control solutions from scientific literature, project outcomes, and commercial sources. Country-specific NAPs were drafted, focusing on up to three main crops and incorporating various solutions.
To ensure proper selection of solutions, WP3 builds upon the selected alternative weed control solutions per country, with the objective of providing detailed insights and assessment. The key tasks include two rounds of National & European Workshops, to evaluate with different criteria the selected solutions, which will undergo a CBA analysis and translated to Best Practices. The first round of these workshops was successfully implemented and the CBA analysis is underway.
The Oper8 project commenced with a comprehensive examination of alternative weed control solutions, with the objective of identifying grassroots needs and gaps in the adoption of such methods, and recording all available solutions. This resulted in the development of the Oper8 Inventory, a central database of effective non-chemical weed control solutions. A set of solutions are selected and a CBA of these solutions will identify practical steps for effective implementation, and translate them to Best Practices. Engagement with stakeholders through various channels will continue to facilitate the adoption of these solutions. At least 3 scientific papers will be published in order to share methodologies, results, and implications with the scientific community and other stakeholders.
Oper8 has been designed to address EU policy recommendations, aiming to inform over 10,000 agri-food stakeholders. It includes e-learning modules, workshops, webinars, and demonstration events, with active participation from end users and AKIS stakeholders. The adaptable distribution method ensures sustainability through continuous stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.
Oper8 aims to promote digital and data technology in agriculture, expecting over 35% of farmers and advisors to adopt advanced technologies, enhancing decision-making and efficiency. By including business experts in the conception and creation of solutions, Oper8 highlights the value of co-creation.This cooperative strategy encourages a sense of ownership among stakeholders while also hastening the adoption of new practices.
Oper8 has been designed to address EU policy recommendations, aiming to inform over 10,000 agri-food stakeholders. It includes e-learning modules, workshops, webinars, and demonstration events, with active participation from end users and AKIS stakeholders. The adaptable distribution method ensures sustainability through continuous stakeholder engagement and knowledge sharing.
Oper8 aims to promote digital and data technology in agriculture, expecting over 35% of farmers and advisors to adopt advanced technologies, enhancing decision-making and efficiency. By including business experts in the conception and creation of solutions, Oper8 highlights the value of co-creation.This cooperative strategy encourages a sense of ownership among stakeholders while also hastening the adoption of new practices.