The AdvisoryNetPEST project aims to network and upgrade advisory services across the EU to increase the sharing of knowledge and the adoption of innovative solutions to reduce the use and risks of pesticides (RURP) in all EU MSs, enabling the agricultural sector to achieve the targets proposed by the Farm to Fork Strategy. AdvisoryNetPEST is funded by the Horizon Europe programme, coordinated by CONSULAI, and will last five years, starting on 1 January 2024.
The overall project's objective will be achieved by:
- Developing a EU network of advisors to reduce the use and risks of pesticides (RURP), built on existing advisory networks and the national AKIS in all MSs,
- Identifying, selecting, and shaping novel approaches (NAs) to be adapted and replicated across the EU,
- Exchanging knowledge and training advisors to promote the adoption of the NAs by farmers,
- Scaling up the NAs, fostering the adoption of innovative solutions by farmers.
The project will set up an EU-wide network of advisors specialised in RURP, covering the 27 EU MSs and one associated country (UK), all European pedo-climatic areas, and all relevant Crop Sectors (Arable, Vineyards, Orchards, and Horticulture, soft fruits and ornamental). The network will embrace a multi-actor approach by gathering 19 partners representing the diversity of AKIS stakeholders working at farm, regional, national, and EU levels, aiming to identify, select, and shape NAs that can be adapted and replicated across the EU.
The project will also adopt a twinning approach to cover all MSs: each National Network (NN) (14) will engage with an Associated Network (AN) (14) through a close twining program along the project. The operational commitment of the ANs will be realised through targeted activities of the project: i) networking and sustainability of the network, ii) identification and selection of NAs, iii) knowledge exchange and evaluation of NAs in cross visits, iv) training and education, v) connection with national AKIS and policy makers, vi) D&E of NAs through different channels (including farm demos).
