- On World Ecology Day, the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project promotes sustainable alternatives to reduce the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture.
Each year on November 1st, World Ecology Day reminds us of the need to adopt sustainable practices that reduce human impact on the environment. In line with this commitment, the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project, funded 60% by the European Union’s LIFE program, is transforming pest control in agriculture through the creation of natural biopesticides that respect both the environment and human health. With a total budget of €2,758,921.01 and a duration of four and a half years, this project aims to enhance agricultural sustainability and biodiversity, promoting a safer environment for both farmers and consumers.
Intensive agriculture faces serious phytosanitary challenges, especially with the proliferation of pests such as the whitefly, a global threat to horticultural crops. In addition to their high numbers and resistance to conventional treatments, whiteflies carry various viral diseases that damage plant health. Most pesticides currently available are chemical-based and toxic, leading to detrimental effects on public health and the environment. In contrast, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN proposes a biopesticide based on natural extracts, proven effective against pests such as whitefly and botrytis in previous studies conducted by research entities including ENTOSTUDIO S.r.l., BioGenius GmbH, and NEVAL Grupo Farmalent.
Using pyrethrin extracts as a key ingredient, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN seeks to develop a fumigant that, unlike conventional products, reduces toxic impact on soil and water, contributing to the regeneration of biodiversity. This innovation aligns with compliance under the EU Directive 2009/128/EC on the sustainable use of pesticides, which sets guidelines to minimize the risks associated with pesticide use and promote sustainability in the agricultural sector. Implementing natural biopesticides is also a step towards meeting the EU’s Farm to Fork Strategy, which advocates for a safe and sustainable food supply chain.
World Ecology Day
By aligning its objectives with the celebration of World Ecology Day, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN emphasizes the urgency of adopting practices that respect the environment and improve quality of life. This project responds to the social demand for safer, natural products that protect both human health and the ecosystem. Through its innovative approach, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN helps reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agriculture, an essential initiative to mitigate climate change effects and ensure a transition toward a circular and low-carbon economy.
The project is part of the LIFE “Circular Economy and Quality of Life” sub-program and actively contributes to creating scalable and efficient solutions for European agriculture. Its success could lay the foundation for broader adoption of natural biopesticides in the market, fostering a significant shift toward agriculture that prioritizes sustainability.
For more information on the LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project, visit https://lifefumigreen.finnova.eu/en/elementor-200