Project description
Thematic network for improved spraying practices
Spraying is a commonly used method in the agricultural industry to combat pests and prevent crop diseases. However, if not carried out with the proper equipment or training, spraying can cause more harm than good, not only to the crops but also to the environment. In this context, the EU-funded INNOSETA project aims to establish an innovative and self-sustainable thematic network. This network will facilitate the connection between researchers and farmers, enabling improved advisory services, training, equipment provisions, and maintenance related to spraying. Additionally, the project aims to foster novel innovations by addressing inefficiencies in scientific advancements. By providing crucial data and training to farmers, the project seeks to enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental contamination.
Objective
The aim of this network is to set-up a self-sustainable Thematic Network on Spraying Equipment, Training and Advising designed for the effective exchange between researchers, industry, extension services and farming community. This network will link directly applicable research and commercial solutions and grassroots level needs and innovative ideas thoroughly captured, thus contributing to close the research and innovation divide in this area. The proposed network will be organized to cover spraying application needs in the most commonly used crops in Europe: cereals, vegetables, orchards, vineyards and greenhouses organized in seven national innovation hubs linked with international interactive workshops. This Thematic Network will address important and timely issues that are critical to improve crop productivity and reduce environmental impact. These include spraying equipment, technologies and practical methods to estimate and reduce spray drift and environmental contamination; information and procedures on the benefits of following regular inspections of sprayers in use; new spraying equipment and components to increase the efficacy of the application; practical information and advice on the dose expression dilemma especially for orchard and bush crops; calibration and operation procedures using lively videos and developed interactive training and learning material; classification schemes for sprayers and nozzles to enable farmers and pesticide companies to decide on the most suitable to them nozzle/sprayer/technology combination for certain pesticide application; environmental requirements for new sprayers following ISO 16119; and best management practices acquired over the years from several EU projects and research publications.
Fields of science
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticultureviticulture
- social scienceseconomics and businessbusiness and managementinnovation management
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturevegetable growing
- social sciencespolitical sciencespolitical policiescivil society
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturegrains and oilseedscereals
Programme(s)
- H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.3.2.4. - Sustainable and competitive bio-based industries and supporting the development of a European bioeconomy
- H2020-EU.3.2.1. - Sustainable agriculture and forestry
- H2020-EU.3.2.2. - Sustainable and competitive agri-food sector for a safe and healthy diet
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
08034 Barcelona
Spain