Context

Farmers and agro-foresters face challenges in adopting advanced technologies that promote sustainability, hindering their widespread adoption. To address this issue, the EU-funded RENOVATE project aims to develop a knowledge-sharing platform. This platform will enable farmers and agro-foresters to access new and existing training tools and educational programmes, fostering the exchange of practical knowledge. The goal is to enhance farmers’ ability to practise sustainable crop management through the adoption of innovative techniques. Using engaging technologies such as serious games and gamified content, the platform aligns with key initiatives like the Green Deal, the Farm to Fork Strategy, the new Common Agricultural Policy, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Objectives

The main objective of the RENOVATE Project is to develop a unique, attractive and understandable training platform to enhance farmers’ access to specialised training and knowledge ready for practice to achieve a more sustainable crop protection, through the uptake of innovation and digitalisation, efficient implementation of Integrated Pest Management, supporting the comprehension and accomplishment of the EU legislative framework. Through a collaborative network of partners and stakeholders, RENOVATE will address its activities to a) farmers/agro-foresters, with special attention to young farmers, women and family-sized farms, who normally experience more difficulties in the adoption of new technologies; b) advisors, as the key puzzle piece for an adequate knowledge transfer; and c) manufacturers involved in the pesticide application process.

RENOVATE will focus mainly on specialty crops (orchard fruits, vineyard, almonds, citrus, olive trees), as these usually require larger amounts of PPPs and might present more direct effects in terms of potential pesticide residues found on the final products.
 

Activities

RENOVATE Project has been planned to undertake a series of Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) that will ultimately result in the creation of a farmer-centred network that compiles and disseminates practical knowledge around sustainable crop protection methods. The actions have been articulated and structured following an incremental approach, that stems from a deep initial assessment of the current situation of training, innovation and policy adoption by farmers in a first phase, towards to a second phase that develops a holistic platform using an iterative method delivering attractive training options, to consolidate in a third phase an entire network of knowledge, as a solution adapted to farmers’ real needs and expectations.

The process organized in three different phases will require a co-creation and cross-fertilization approach, taking advantage not only of end users’ insights, requirements and expectations, but also of the collaboration with public authorities, associations and consultants, academia and private companies. Moreover, a systemic and multidisciplinary approach will be in place, since RENOVATE partners work in varied disciplines applicable to this project: development of digital solutions for agriculture and PPP management, advising, farmers’ consulting and training, applied research, educational expertise and policy implementation.