· The European project develops less toxic natural fumigants to protect greenhouse crops
· LIFE NextFUMIGREEN promotes sustainable solutions compatible with biodiversity and pollinator health
Wednesday, 20 May 2026, Brussels. On the occasion of World Bee Day, celebrated every 20 May to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators for food security and biodiversity, the European project LIFE NextFUMIGREEN highlights the role of sustainable innovation in the transition towards safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly agriculture. Led by FUMIHOGAR, with the participation of Centro Tecnológico Tecnova, Finnova Foundation, B&B Asesores, Comercial Química Massó and BrioAgro Tech, the project develops natural fumigants based on plant extracts to control whitefly populations and botrytis fungal outbreaks in greenhouse horticultural crops, reducing dependence on conventional chemical products and contributing to the protection of agricultural biodiversity.
The role of bees in agricultural sustainability
World Bee Day highlights the importance of pollinators for food production and ecosystem balance. Bees play an essential role in agriculture, as they support the reproduction of many plant species and contribute directly to food security, biodiversity and the resilience of production systems.
In this context, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN works to develop less toxic and more sustainable alternatives to traditional pesticides, promoting agricultural models that reduce environmental impact and help preserve the health of agricultural ecosystems, including pollinating insects.
European innovation to reduce pesticide impact
The project researches the effectiveness of new fumigant biopesticides developed from natural plant extracts and applied through innovative dry micro-dispersion technologies. These solutions aim to efficiently combat pests and diseases affecting greenhouse horticultural crops while improving farmers’ safety and reducing the toxicity associated with certain conventional treatments.
Beyond its technological dimension, LIFE NextFUMIGREEN promotes the professionalisation of the agricultural sector through training and knowledge transfer on the use of biopesticides and more sustainable farming practices. The project also contributes to strengthening the circular bioeconomy by fostering innovative solutions aligned with European strategies for sustainability, biodiversity protection and ecological transition.
Agriculture, biodiversity and European cooperation
The initiative demonstrates how innovation funded by the European Union can simultaneously improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and protect biodiversity. LIFE NextFUMIGREEN supports an agricultural model in which environmental sustainability and sector competitiveness advance together through science, innovation, business cooperation and technology transfer.
The LIFE NextFUMIGREEN project has a total budget of €2,758,921.01, 60% co-financed by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. The initiative is driven by FUMIHOGAR, Centro Tecnológico Tecnova, Finnova Foundation, B&B Asesores, Comercial Química Massó and BrioAgro Tech, working together to develop innovative solutions aimed at improving food security, biodiversity and agricultural sustainability.
More information: https://lifefumigreen.finnova.eu/