A sustainable alternative combining technology and nature to reduce environmental impact in agriculture
Soil is an essential resource for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. In this context, the European LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project focuses on developing natural fumigants that replace chemical pesticides, protecting greenhouse crops from pests and diseases like whiteflies and botrytis while mitigating the negative impact on soils.
Led by the Spanish company Fumi-Hogar, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN’s main goal is to demonstrate that fumigant biopesticides are less toxic and highly effective for European crops, improving the sustainability of horticultural production. The project has several environmental objectives, including:
- Preventing soil and groundwater contamination.
- Reducing hazardous waste linked to chemical pesticides.
- Contributing to toxin-free food production, enhancing food safety.
- Lowering the carbon footprint of greenhouse agriculture.
With a total budget of €2,758,921.01, co-funded at 60% by the European Union’s LIFE program, the project is being implemented in key European regions: Spain, Italy, and Portugal, including Almería, Syracuse, and Lisbon.
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN, spanning four and a half years (2022-2027), not only evaluates the efficacy of these natural fumigants against specific pests like Frankliniella occidentalis (thrips) and Tuta absoluta, but also highlights their positive impact on the quality of crops like tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis. This approach demonstrates the potential for biopesticides to be replicated across different agricultural systems in Europe.
Key activities within the project include:
- Designing efficacy trials under controlled conditions in multitunnel and “raspa y amagado” greenhouses.
- Monitoring environmental and socioeconomic impact indicators.
- Developing methodological guides to replicate results in other agricultural contexts.
The project is supported by partners such as B&B Asesores, Comercial Química Massó, BrioAgro Tech, Fundación Tecnova, and Fundación Finnova. Furthermore, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN is part of a broader network of LIFE projects focused on agricultural innovation and sustainability, showcasing the transition to more environmentally friendly farming practices.
Learn more about the project: https://lifefumigreen.finnova.eu
About LIFE NextFUMIGREEN
LIFE NextFUMIGREEN is funded by the European Union’s LIFE program, the only instrument dedicated exclusively to the environment and climate action. Since 1992, this program has supported over 5,500 projects promoting sustainable solutions across Europe.