- FUMI-HOGAR, TECNOVA, BRIOagro, and FINNOVA, partners of the project, showcase the development of alternatives to toxic fumigants for sustainable pest and disease control in greenhouse crops
Málaga, November 27, 2024 – On November 26, at ExpoAGritech 2024 held at the Málaga Trade Fair and Congress Center (FYCMA), the partners of the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project presented this groundbreaking initiative in the field of sustainable agriculture. LIFE NextFUMIGREEN aims to develop natural fumigants based on plant extracts to combat pests like whiteflies and diseases such as botrytis in greenhouse-grown horticultural crops.
Carlos Ramos from Fumi-Hogar explained how the designed fumigant is evenly dispersed throughout the greenhouse space and surfaces, ensuring total coverage. He also highlighted the difference from traditional methods such as spraying, emphasizing that the product optimizes application by guaranteeing that each area receives the appropriate dose.
Blanca Sabarit, a technician in the Plant Production and Environment Department at the Tecnova Technological Center, presented the initial results of the tests conducted. She emphasized that the first step has been to evaluate the fumigant’s effectiveness in pest control, achieving promising progress.
José Luis Bustos, CEO of BrioAgro, spoke about the technological solutions applied to the project. He explained that they have developed systems enabling real-time monitoring of air quality and crop conditions, both in enclosed greenhouses and open fields.
Juan Manuel Revuelta, CEO of Finnova, highlighted the importance of european funding and the project escalability, emphasising the concept of Triangular Cooperation. As he explained, this model fomented collaboration between a european partner and two partners from countries in Latin America: one of them with a higher degree of development and the other one being a developing country. This approach allows the most advanced partner to support the developing one, promoting the exchange of knowledge and technologies.
A Greener and More Sustainable Future
Through the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project, Finnova reaffirms its commitment to innovation and sustainability, providing solutions that support farmers in their transition to more responsible and environmentally friendly practices. This project represents a step forward toward safer, more efficient agriculture that aligns with today’s global challenges.
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN: An Innovative and Sustainable Solution
Led by Fumi-Hogar and developed in collaboration with B&B Asesores, Comercial Química Massó, BrioAgro Tech, and the Finnova Foundation, the project has a total budget of €2.7 million, 60% of which is funded by the EU LIFE program. Its goal is to provide a less toxic alternative to conventional pesticides, improving food safety, protecting biodiversity, and professionalizing the use of biopesticides.
This innovative biopesticide will be tested over the next four and a half years and aligns with the priorities of the European Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, promoting more environmentally friendly agriculture.